BEIJING — China accused Japan on Saturday of using regional security cooperation and its “free and open Indo-Pacific” strategy as a cover for military expansion, warning that Tokyo’s actions threaten regional stability.
According to Chinese state media, Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin criticized recent visits by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to Australia and Vietnam aimed at strengthening defense ties.
“Under the pretexts of the so-called ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ and ‘security cooperation,’ governing authorities in Japan are instigating bloc confrontation and building ‘small circles,’” Jiang said.
He added that such moves undermine the security interests of other countries and provide justification for Japan to move beyond post-war restrictions on military development.
Jiang also criticized growing calls in Japan to revise the country’s pacifist constitution, saying the shift reflects a transition from “covert military buildup to overt war preparation.”
The Chinese official warned that what Beijing described as rising “neo-militarism” in Japan poses a threat to peace in Asia.
He also referenced the 80th anniversary of the Tokyo Trials, accusing Japanese right-wing groups of attempting to minimize wartime aggression and glorify convicted war criminals associated with the Yasukuni Shrine.
China urged Japan to “face up to history” and take steps to rebuild trust with neighboring Asian countries and the international community.
There was no immediate response from Tokyo.
Jiang also criticized expanding defense cooperation between Japan and the Philippines, accusing officials from both countries of promoting “false narratives” on maritime disputes and making “groundless accusations” against China.