China's Ministry of National Defense condemned Japan's 2026 [1] defense white paper, calling the document a collection of false descriptions.
The reaction underscores the deepening diplomatic rift between the two neighbors as Tokyo seeks to justify expanding its military capabilities and spending. Beijing views these strategic shifts not as defensive measures, but as a return to aggression.
During a press conference, spokesperson Jiang Bin said the white paper was "full of false descriptions" and intentionally stoked the so-called "China threat theory" by exaggerating security crises in the region. He said the Japanese government's posture was "the thief shouting stop thief," suggesting that Japan is projecting its own aggressive intentions onto China.
Jiang said the document was a pretext for Japan to relax its own military restrictions. He specifically labeled the current trajectory of Japanese defense policy as "Japan's new militarism."
While the Japanese government released the white paper on Aug. 6 [2], the Chinese Ministry of National Defense continued its critique during a regular press briefing on Aug. 18 [3]. The tension centers on conflicting views of regional stability, with China asserting that Japan is using the report to justify an increase in defense budgets.
Beijing has consistently pushed back against Tokyo's characterization of China as a primary security threat. The Ministry of National Defense said the white paper serves as a tool to normalize military expansion under the guise of self-defense.
“"Japan's new militarism."”
The clash over the 2026 defense white paper reflects a cycle of escalation where Japan's perceived need for deterrence is interpreted by China as a revival of wartime militarism. By framing Tokyo's policy as 'new militarism,' Beijing is attempting to delegitimize Japan's security upgrades on the international stage while justifying its own military buildup as a response to Japanese provocation.
