Japan sounds alarm over China's expanding Pacific footprint, vows defence boost
Japan's latest defence white paper warns of China's growing ability to sustain military operations farther into the western Pacific Ocean, while pledging to bolster its own monitoring systems, strike capabilities and ammunition production. Released on Tuesday, the 610-page document cautions that Beijing is strengthening its aircraft carrier force as it steadily improves its capacity to operate in more distant seas and airspace. In Beijing, defence ministry spokesman Chen Xi responded to the paper.
Japan's defence white paper warns of China's growing military reach. The 610-page paper was released Tuesday, detailing Beijing's capacity; Japan pledged to boost monitoring, strikes and ammunition output.
The report highlights a clear shift in the regional power balance. China's carrier fleet keeps extending its reach across the Pacific, and Japan's response could accelerate a broader regional arms race.
Beijing is expected to respond formally to the white paper soon. Japan's defense budget could rise further in the coming year, and regional allies may follow with similar defense spending increases.
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