Japan has significantly escalated its defense posture in regional waters, with over 1,400 Japanese troops joining the annual Balikatan military exercises alongside forces from the Philippines, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand.
During the drills, Japanese forces fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile, striking a decommissioned Philippine Navy ship in waters facing the disputed South China Sea. The exercises come as Manila and Tokyo are in discussions over a potential defense equipment transfer, a negotiation enabled by Japan’s recent decision to lift restrictions on military exports.
In response, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Lin Jian, accused Japan’s right-wing forces of pushing to accelerate remilitarization. Lin stated that rising neo-militarism in Japan is threatening regional peace, citing “long overdue historical education, fundamental errors in historical perspectives, and the strategic pursuit of military strengthening and war preparedness” as factors that have collectively contributed to the emergence of neo-militarism in Japan.
Beijing also showcased its own naval capabilities, releasing footage of strike tests at sea using its anti-ship ballistic missile, the YJ-20, also known as Eagle Strike 20. The missile has a diameter of less than one meter, reaches speeds of Mach 10 in its terminal phase, and has a range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers. Powered by a solid-fueled rocket engine, it can be launched from ships or aircraft and is designed to critically damage large vessels.
China routinely criticizes joint military exercises between Manila and its allies, saying they heighten regional tensions. Meanwhile, Japan is undergoing its most significant military expansion since World War II, shifting from a strict post-war pacifism to a proactive defense posture.
