Tensions Flare Again! Japan Protests China's Accusations of Reviving Militarism

Tensions have escalated once more after Japan lodged a strong protest against China on Sunday (15/2). The protest concerns remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who accused “extreme right-wing forces” in Japan of attempting to revive militarism.

Wang’s controversial statement was delivered at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where he shared his views on Beijing-Tokyo relations, which have been under severe strain since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made comments regarding Taiwan last November.

At the Munich Security Conference, Wang stated: “The Japanese people must no longer allow themselves to be manipulated or deceived by these extreme right-wing forces, or by those who seek to revive militarism.”

“All peace-loving nations should send a clear warning to Japan: if Japan chooses to return to this path, it will only be moving towards self-destruction,” Wang said in his statement.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded sharply, as reported by AFP on Monday (16/2/2026), rejecting Wang’s accusations as “factually incorrect and groundless”.

“Japan’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities are a response to an increasingly challenging security environment and are not directed at any specific third country,” the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated firmly via social media platform X on Sunday (15/2) local time.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that there are “countries in the international community that have been rapidly expanding their military capabilities in a non-transparent manner”.

However, it added: “Japan opposes such measures and distances itself from them.”

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi clarified his position at the same conference in Munich, albeit in a different session.

It was also reported that Tokyo had lodged a strong protest with Beijing through diplomatic channels.

Tensions between Japan and China originated when Prime Minister Takaichi, only weeks after taking office, stated that Japan would undertake military intervention in the event of an attack on Taiwan.

The comment drew the ire of Beijing, which claims Taipei as part of its sovereign territory and has threatened to use force to take control of it.