China’s People’s Liberation Army has accused Japan of pushing towards space militarisation, warning it could trigger an arms race. Articles in the PLA Daily target Tokyo’s defence and intelligence plans. This occurs as Japan ramps up space activities in response to perceived threats from China and Russia.
The PLA Daily has published articles continuing a diplomatic war of words between China and Japan, targeting Tokyo’s defence and intelligence plans. In one piece, two researchers from the People’s Liberation Army’s Space Engineering University in Beijing accused Japan of seeking to militarise space.
“Japan’s accelerated push towards the militarisation of space, through a series of continuous actions, not only departs from its pacifist constitution but also undermines regional and global space security,” the researchers wrote.
“[It will] disrupt the regional strategic balance, trigger a space arms race … and compel neighbouring countries to strengthen countermeasures.”
Japan has ramped up its space activities in recent years in response to what it sees as a growing threat from China and Russia. These accusations highlight tensions in regional security, involving issues like Taiwan and US forces. Keywords mention figures such as Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Sanae Takaichi, potentially linked to Tokyo’s plans, though details are not provided in the articles.
The episode underscores escalating geopolitical rivalry in space, with Beijing concerned that Japan’s moves could upset the strategic balance.
