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Japan Labels China’s Military Buildup Its Biggest Postwar Threat

Tokyo plans to boost defense spending to confront what it calls the gravest postwar security crisis from China’s military rise.

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Overview

  • The 2025 defense white paper calls China’s rapid PLA modernization and expanded operations beyond the first island chain the gravest strategic challenge Tokyo has faced since World War II.
  • It warns that increasing joint drills between Chinese and Russian forces and North Korea’s development of nuclear-capable missiles pose serious risks to Japan’s security.
  • The report documents last August’s first confirmed Chinese military aircraft incursion into Japanese airspace and July 9–10 intercepts by JH-7 bombers within 30 to 60 meters of a YS-11 surveillance plane.
  • Chinese warship passages off Japan’s southwestern coasts have tripled over three years, with vessels navigating waters between Taiwan and Yonaguni Island to project power.
  • Tokyo plans to accelerate defense budget increases and strengthen military cooperation with the United States and other regional partners to deter potential contingencies.