Beijing: China has lodged a formal diplomatic protest with Japan after Tokyo released its latest annual defence white paper, accusing the Japanese government of exaggerating the China threat and interfering in issues related to Taiwan. The dispute is the latest sign of growing tensions between the two Asian neighbours, whose relations have become increasingly strained over military activity, territorial disputes and regional security.
China's Foreign Ministry said it had made "solemn representations" to Japan over the contents of the 2026 Defence White Paper. Beijing argued that the report contains irresponsible comments about China's military development and security policies and presents an unfair picture of the country's intentions. Chinese officials also objected to Japan's remarks about Taiwan, insisting that the island remains an internal matter and warning Tokyo against sending what it described as the wrong signals to supporters of Taiwan's independence.
Japan's annual defence report, released this week, describes China as the country's biggest strategic challenge. It says China's rapid military expansion, growing naval presence and increasing activities around Taiwan and the East China Sea have significantly changed the security environment in the region. The report also points to closer military cooperation between China and Russia and the continued development of North Korea's missile and nuclear programmes as major security concerns.
The issue of Taiwan has become one of the most sensitive points in relations between Beijing and Tokyo. Japan's report says peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential for Japan's own security and for the wider Indo Pacific region. It notes that Chinese military exercises around Taiwan have become larger, more frequent and increasingly complex, raising concerns about the possibility of a future crisis.
China rejected those remarks, repeating its long standing position that Taiwan is part of its territory and that foreign governments should not interfere in what it considers a domestic issue. Chinese officials said Japan should honour its commitments made when diplomatic relations were established and avoid actions that could increase tensions.
The latest disagreement comes as Japan continues its biggest military modernisation programme since the Second World War. In recent years, the Japanese government has increased defence spending, expanded cooperation with allies including the United States, Australia and the Philippines, and invested in advanced military technology such as long range missiles, artificial intelligence and unmanned defence systems.
The white paper argues that these measures are necessary because the regional security environment has become more challenging. It says China's military capabilities continue to grow rapidly, while activities by Chinese naval and air forces near Japanese territory have increased. The report also highlights repeated Chinese operations around the disputed Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China, where they are known as the Diaoyu Islands.
Japanese officials maintain that strengthening the country's defence capabilities is intended to improve deterrence and preserve regional stability rather than threaten any neighbouring country. The report also describes defence investment as an important driver of technological innovation and economic growth.
Beijing, however, has accused Japan of using regional security concerns as a justification for expanding its military role. Chinese officials argue that Japan's growing defence budget and acquisition of counter strike capabilities could undermine peace in East Asia. China has repeatedly expressed concern over what it sees as Japan moving away from its post war pacifist policies.
Relations between the two countries have faced several difficult moments this year. Both governments have exchanged protests over military exercises, air and naval patrols in the East China Sea, and statements regarding Taiwan. Recent comments by Japanese leaders suggesting that the Self Defence Forces could become involved if a conflict over Taiwan directly threatened Japan's security also drew strong criticism from Beijing.
Security experts say the latest diplomatic dispute reflects the broader strategic rivalry that is reshaping the Indo Pacific region. While both China and Japan remain important economic partners, they continue to disagree over territorial claims, military expansion and the future security balance in East Asia.
Despite the sharp exchange of words, analysts believe both governments will seek to prevent tensions from escalating into direct confrontation. However, with military activities increasing across the region and Taiwan remaining a highly sensitive issue, relations between Beijing and Tokyo are expected to remain under close international attention in the months ahead.