Japan’s defence minister has criticised China’s expanding military capabilities, describing its arsenal as “huge” and questioning Beijing’s strategic intentions. Speaking alongside her British counterpart in Tokyo, she rejected accusations that Tokyo was itself pursuing a militarist path, insisting that Japan’s defence posture remained purely defensive.
Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters that China’s military buildup, including its nuclear arsenal and missile deployments, was “unprecedented in scale and scope” and posed a serious challenge to regional stability. She called on Beijing to be more transparent about its defence spending and strategic objectives.
The remarks came during a joint press conference with UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who reaffirmed London’s commitment to deepening defence ties with Japan. Shapps announced plans for enhanced joint military exercises and cooperation on emerging technologies, including cyber and space capabilities. He described Japan as a “natural partner” in the Indo-Pacific and praised its “responsible” approach to defence.
Kihara stressed that Japan’s own military modernisation, including the acquisition of long-range missiles and aircraft carriers, was strictly for self-defence and aligned with its pacifist constitution. She dismissed any parallel with China’s actions, saying that “Japan has always followed a path of peace” and that its capabilities were “transparent and proportionate.”
The joint statement from both ministers underscored their shared concerns over North Korea’s ballistic missile tests and the situation in the South China Sea. They called for “peaceful resolution of disputes” and adherence to international law.
Analysts view the UK-Japan axis as a significant element of the West’s evolving strategy to counterbalance China’s assertiveness. The relationship was formalised last year with the signing of a reciprocal access agreement, allowing for joint deployments.
China’s foreign ministry has yet to comment directly on Kihara’s remarks but has consistently denounced what it calls “exaggerated threats” against its military policies, insisting that its development is peaceful and necessary for national sovereignty.
The defence minister’s comments are expected to reignite debate in Tokyo over the pace of Japan’s own military expansion. The government has been gradually loosening constraints on its armed forces, citing growing security threats from China and North Korea.
In a separate development, the UK and Japan also agreed to collaborate on a next-generation fighter jet programme, the Global Combat Air Programme, with Italy as a third partner. The deal aims to deliver a supersonic stealth aircraft by 2035.
