Amid heightened tensions between China and Japan, the People's Daily published a lengthy commentary sharply criticizing Japan's 'neo-militarism' as a major threat to Asia and the world. The paper warns that post-war Japan has failed to fully reckon with its militarist past, while Beijing holds ample policy tools ready if Tokyo endangers China's core interests. Japan's proposed security aid budget for next year marks a record high, more than doubling the previous amount.
The People's Daily, in a commentary published on Thursday, stated: “Post-war Japan has failed to carry out a thorough reckoning with militarism … This ‘neo-militarism’, cloaked in the guise of a ‘peaceful nation’, is gradually becoming a real danger to Asia and the world at large.” This reflects China's growing concerns over Japan's military developments, particularly regarding sensitive issues like Taiwan.
Japan's foreign ministry released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 on Tuesday, setting the Official Security Assistance (OSA) budget at a record 18.1 billion yen (US$116 million)—more than double the previous year's allocation. The OSA provides security equipment aid to like-minded countries, underscoring Japan's intent to bolster regional military cooperation. References in keywords to figures like Sanae Takaichi, and involvement of Britain and Australia, suggest this could intensify geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has previously voiced similar concerns. Analysis from China University of Political Science and Law highlights that Japan's actions may jeopardize regional stability. The Chinese Communist Party's official stance is clear: Beijing will closely monitor and respond to any threats to its core interests. This incident highlights structural frictions in China-Japan relations, where security issues overshadow economic ties.
