# China-Japan diplomatic tensions over militarism > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/china-japan-diplomatic-tensions-over-militarism > Updated: 2026-08-16T01:10:47.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. China has intensified its criticism of Japan, accusing the Japanese government of pursuing re-militarization and historical revisionism. Tensions rose following the resurfacing of historical “military mail” from Japanese soldiers that documented atrocities during the invasion of China, alongside Japan’s proposal for a record-high FY2027 defense budget of approximately 8.9 trillion yen.\n\nChinese officials have characterized these developments as “new-type militarism” that challenges the post-war international order. The diplomatic friction has expanded to include concerns over Japan’s nuclear policy. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for failing to reflect on past aggression during a memorial service and warned against attempts to modify Japan’s ‘Three Non-Nuclear Principles’. Furthermore, Beijing expressed alarm regarding Japan’s pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines and extended deterrence cooperation, urging adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: China criticizes Japan over historical revisionism and nuclear policy shifts China has condemned Japanese leadership for attempting to revise historical accounts of aggression and challenging the post-war international order through potential shifts in nuclear weapons policy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-criticizes-japan-over-historical-revisionism-and-nuclear-policy-shifts ### 2026-08-14: China warns of rising Japanese militarism amid defense budget hikes As the anniversary of Japan's surrender approaches, China warns of rising Japanese militarism amid record defense budget proposals and the emergence of historical letters documenting wartime atrocities. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/china-warns-of-rising-japanese-militarism-amid-defense-budget-hikes --- Cite as: China-Japan diplomatic tensions over militarism. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/china-japan-diplomatic-tensions-over-militarism