China protests Japan’s defence white paper over Taiwan and security concerns

Wednesday 05 August 2026 - 12:45

China has formally raised objections with Japan over Tokyo’s latest defence white paper, accusing the Japanese government of exaggerating the perceived Chinese military threat and making inappropriate comments regarding Taiwan.

The dispute highlights growing tensions between the two Asian powers as both countries continue to strengthen their security policies in a region marked by increasing strategic competition.

Beijing rejects Japan’s assessment of military balance

China’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it had lodged a complaint with Japanese authorities following the publication of the annual defence report.

Beijing criticized the document for portraying China as a security threat and argued that Japan had no right to comment on Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.

The ministry said issues related to Taiwan are an internal Chinese matter and rejected what it described as external interference.

Japan warns of shifting military dynamics

Japan’s defence white paper, released on Tuesday, stated that China has expanded military activities around Taiwan and assessed that the military balance across the Taiwan Strait is increasingly moving in Beijing’s favour.

The report reflects Tokyo’s growing concerns about regional security and the possibility that tensions surrounding Taiwan could affect Japan’s own defence interests.

Bilateral relations under pressure

Relations between China and Japan have deteriorated in recent years amid disputes over security, military activity and regional influence.

Tensions intensified after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan could deploy its Self-Defence Forces if a Chinese military action against Taiwan threatened Japan’s national survival.

Beijing strongly criticized those remarks and called on Tokyo to withdraw what it considered an unacceptable position.

Security rivalry continues in East Asia

The latest diplomatic dispute comes as Japan and China continue to navigate complex relations involving economic ties, territorial concerns and competing visions for regional security.

With Taiwan remaining one of the most sensitive issues in East Asian geopolitics, future statements and defence policies from both countries are expected to remain closely monitored.