Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper Labels China as Major Strategic Challenge

Japan released its 2026 Defense White Paper, stating that the People's Liberation Army’s expanding operations in the Indo‑Pacific constitute an unprecedented strategic challenge. The document cites a rise in Chinese carrier deployments, including the Liaoning, and a surge in aircraft take‑offs and landings in the Pacific, as well as intensified drills around Taiwan and growing military coordination with Russia. Tokyo warns that these activities could lead to dangerous incidents and calls for a stronger regional alliance network.

China’s Ministry of Defense rejected the paper, calling it “filled with false narratives” that exaggerate a “surrounding security crisis” to justify Japan’s own military buildup, increased defense spending, and development of long‑range strike and space weapons. The Chinese spokesperson urged Japan to stop misrepresenting the threat and interfering in China’s internal affairs.