China has strongly condemned Japan’s first overseas missile test in decades, calling it a sign of rising “neo-militarism” that threatens regional stability. The criticism came after Japan participated in a joint military exercise in the Philippines. The development has further strained already tense China-Japan relations.
The exercise, known as Balikatan 2026, was led by the United States and the Philippines. During the drill, Japanese forces fired a Type 88 surface-to-ship missile. Beijing said this marked the first overseas launch of what it described as an offensive weapon since World War II. Japan maintains that the system is primarily defensive in nature.
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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the move reflects a shift away from Japan’s post-war pacifist stance. He accused Tokyo of expanding military activities under the guise of security cooperation. He also warned that such actions could destabilize the region.
China further criticized Japan’s growing defense cooperation with regional allies. It pointed to concerns over military expansion in the Indo-Pacific and closer coordination with the United States. Beijing said these developments undermine long-standing regional security norms.
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In addition to diplomatic criticism, China submitted concerns to the United Nations over Japan’s military capabilities. The statement also referenced broader regional exercises involving US forces, including missile tests in the Philippines. Analysts say the situation reflects growing strategic competition in the Asia-Pacific.