Japan Warns China Expands Pacific Reach in 610-Page Defense Paper, Pledges Military Boost
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 4
Japan Warns China Expands Pacific Reach in 610-Page Defense Paper, Pledges Military Boost
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Aug 4
Summary
Japan’s annual defense white paper said China is improving its ability to sustain operations farther into the western Pacific, with a stronger aircraft-carrier force extending Beijing’s reach into distant seas and airspace.
The 610-page report pairs that warning with plans to strengthen Japan’s monitoring systems, strike capabilities and ammunition production as Tokyo responds to a tougher regional security environment.
Beijing rejected the assessment, with defense ministry spokesman Chen Xi calling the paper “replete with false narratives” and accusing Japan of hyping a China threat to justify arms expansion.
The report also fits a broader Japanese warning that closer military coordination among China, Russia and North Korea is raising pressure on Japan’s security posture.