Japan protests China’s comments on revival of ‘militarism’

Tokyo said it had issued a “stern demarche” to China through diplomatic channels after Beijing’s top diplomat Wang Yi accused it of trying to revive militarism in Japan.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Mr. Wang focused on Beijing’s current relationship with Tokyo, which has been strained since Prime Minister Sane Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan in November.

Mr. Wang said, “The Japanese people must no longer allow themselves to be manipulated or deceived by those extremist forces or those who want to restore militarism.”

“All peace-loving nations should send Japan a clear warning: if it chooses to walk back down this path, it will only be headed for self-destruction.”

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs X dismissed the claims as “factually false and baseless” in a post on Sunday (Feb 16, 2026).

“Japan’s efforts to strengthen defense capabilities are a response to the increasingly serious security environment and are not directed against any specific third country,” the statement said.

It added that “there are countries in the international community that are rapidly increasing their military capabilities in a non-transparent manner” but that “Japan opposes and distances itself from such actions”.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi clarified his position in another session of the meeting, followed by a stern demarcation against the Chinese side through diplomatic channels, the statement said.

Just weeks into her term, Prime Minister Takaichi said Japan would intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-governing democratic island as part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control.

PM Takaichi was seen as a China hawk before becoming Japan’s first female prime minister in October. She said last week that Japan, which hosts 60,000 US military personnel, would strengthen its defenses under her leadership and “firmly defend” its territory.