Japan defence white paper says China’s military ambitions ‘greatest strategic challenge’ to the world
North Korea, meanwhile, which often conducts missile tests in Japan’s direction, poses a “more grave and imminent threat to Japan’s national security than ever before”.
In previous years, the defence paper has raised the need to counter regional threats including growing Chinese military clout and a nuclear-armed North Korea.
Japan plans to double its defence spending to the Nato standard of two per cent of GDP by 2027, although the falling value of the yen may dent its purchasing power.
It seems mainland China intends to make increased military activities around Taiwan a new normal for the region, said the paper, which also listed heightened defence risks associated with AI, cybersecurity and disinformation.
“The international community is facing its greatest trial since World War II and competition among states, especially between the US and China, and it is set to intensify,” the white paper said.
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Should China be concerned about the latest Japan-Philippines security pact?
The Philippines and Japan are both long-time allies of the US, which has been strengthening defence ties in Asia to counter China’s growing military might and influence.
Chinese officials have accused the US of trying to create an Asia-Pacific version of Nato.
On Thursday, Japan’s top government spokesman declined to comment on a report by Kyodo News that said a Japanese destroyer had made a rare entry into China’s territorial waters this month, prompting a complaint from Beijing.