China insists 'Japanese militarism' not returning amid defense budget reports

China's Defense Ministry has criticized Japan for "accelerating" a military buildup "which far exceeds what is required for its exclusively defense-oriented policy".

At an online news conference on Wednesday, ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said in response to reports of Japan laying out a record defense budget for the fiscal year 2026 that China "will never allow Japanese militarism to make a comeback".

According to a Japanese media report, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has submitted a record defense budget request of 8.85 trillion yen ($60 billion) for 2026. In addition, Japan is planning to deploy upgraded Type-12 land-based anti-ship long-range missiles to the island of Kyushu. The range of these missiles would include Chinese coastal areas.

Jiang added t

hat "Japan is accelerating its military buildup, developing capabilities, including offensive weapons and equipment, which far exceed what is required for its exclusively defense-oriented policy.

"That has sparked vigilance and concerns among peace-loving peoples worldwide, who have to wonder, what is the real intention of the Japanese side?"

Eight decades ago, the aggressive war launched by Japanese militarists inflicted immense suffering upon the peoples of Asian nations, said Jiang, adding that today, the resolve of regional countries to defend peace is stronger than ever.

The official urged the Japanese government to reflect deeply on its history of aggression, as well as respect the security concerns of its Asian neighbors and the rest of the international community.

He also urged Japan to speak and act with prudence on military and security matters, and avoid repeating historic mistakes.