China’s Defense Ministry has delivered a stark warning to Japan regarding its recent deployment of long-range offensive missiles, characterizing the move as a dangerous regression to militarism that threatens regional stability. Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin issued the statement during a virtual press briefing on Wednesday, responding to reports that Japan had initiated deployment of missiles capable of striking targets approximately 1,000 kilometers away—sufficient range to reach coastal regions of neighboring nations, with full deployment expected by month’s end.
Jiang articulated grave concerns about Japan’s accelerating remilitarization efforts, citing multiple concerning developments including proposed amendments to the nation’s pacifist Constitution, revisions to three key national security documents, and potential alterations to the longstanding three non-nuclear principles. The spokesperson asserted that these long-range offensive weapons fundamentally contradict Japan’s traditionally professed defense-oriented principles, passive defense strategy, and self-defense policies.
The Defense Ministry official characterized Japan’s neo-militarism as having evolved from a concerning tendency into an immediate threat capable of destabilizing regional peace and security. Jiang delivered an unequivocal message to Japanese authorities: ‘Retreating to its belligerent and militarist past leads nowhere but self-destruction.’ He further cautioned that any Japanese use of force against Chinese sovereignty would be met with decisive countermeasures resulting in ‘inevitable defeat.’
The diplomatic warning represents escalating tensions between the Asian powers as Japan enhances its military capabilities amid growing regional security concerns. China’s statement emphasizes the serious consequences of Japan’s strategic shift from defensive to offensive military posturing.