China’s Ministry of National Defense has issued a stern warning regarding Japan’s accelerated development of satellite-jamming capabilities, characterizing these advancements as a dangerous escalation in space weaponization. Defense Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang addressed these concerns during a Thursday press briefing in Beijing, responding directly to Japan’s claimed technological breakthroughs in systems capable of disrupting other nations’ orbital assets.
The spokesperson emphasized that Japan’s aggressive space policy is triggering alarm bells within the international community, particularly given the nation’s historical precedent for surprise military attacks. Zhang specifically referenced growing apprehensions about a potential ‘Pearl Harbor scenario’ unfolding in the space domain, drawing parallels between current developments and Japan’s past military actions.
Zhang underscored the critical importance of maintaining space as a peaceful domain, noting that lasting security in orbit is fundamental to global stability and prosperity for all nations. The Chinese military official expressed particular concern that Japan’s unrestrained pursuit of counter-space capabilities is not only accelerating the militarization of space but also potentially fueling a dangerous arms race beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
The statement comes amid increasing international scrutiny of space warfare capabilities and follows Japan’s recent announcements regarding substantive progress in satellite disruption technologies. Chinese defense officials characterize these developments as extremely dangerous and contrary to global consensus on maintaining space as a weapons-free environment.