Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper Sparks Regional Criticism

Japan's government released the 2026 edition of its Defense White Paper, outlining a shift toward "new warfare" that incorporates drones, artificial intelligence and long‑range strike capabilities. The document calls for the development of air‑launched and sea‑launched versions of the 25‑type anti‑ship missile, hypersonic weapons and the acquisition of foreign "outside‑the‑defence‑area" missiles. It also signals a move to expand the Self‑Defense Forces' offensive reach, including plans for nuclear‑submarine capability and a broader mobilisation of national resources for defence.

The White Paper has drawn sharp criticism from domestic observers and neighboring countries, who describe it as evidence of a "new militarism" and a departure from Japan's post‑war pacifist stance. Critics warn that the emphasis on countering a perceived "China threat" and the push to revise Japan's security documents could heighten regional tensions and undermine the post‑war international order.