By AFP — August 4, 2026
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Japan’s defence minister has called for a rapid strengthening of the country’s armed forces, warning that threats from China, North Korea and Russia are growing and require urgent action. The plea accompanies a new annual defence white paper that also notes deeper military coordination among regional powers.
In a preface to the report, Shinjiro Koizumi said it is “imperative that Japan further reinforce and transform its defense capabilities with a stronger sense of urgency and crisis than ever before.” He warned that China and North Korea are expanding their militaries and that cooperation between China and Russia, and between Russia and North Korea, is increasing.
The white paper says China has stepped up operations around Japan, extending activity beyond the so-called first island chain toward the second island chain. It cites a string of 2025 incidents, including movements by Chinese aircraft carriers and two episodes in June and July when Chinese aircraft made unusually close approaches to Japanese planes.
Japanese jets were scrambled 595 times in the year ending March 31, 2026, including 366 intercepts of Chinese aircraft and 214 involving Russian planes. That total was down from 704 the previous year and was the lowest number recorded since at least 2021.
Tokyo has already begun to boost defence spending and expand security ties across Asia. Measures under way include deploying missile launchers to outlying islands, seeking to acquire counter-strike capabilities, and relaxing long-standing restrictions on weapons exports. The white paper, however, flags weaknesses in Japan’s defence manufacturing base that could threaten procurement and innovation.
Koizumi said he had discussed the US-Japan alliance with his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth, describing their talks as an exchange of candid views on the “unwavering” partnership. He also highlighted growing security cooperation with the Philippines, Australia and South Korea as part of efforts to sustain a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
“As the security environment becomes increasingly and rapidly severe, what is required now is to strengthen resilience against crises all across the entire Indo-Pacific region,” Koizumi said, adding that Japan will work to build multilayered networks and improve connectivity with allies and like-minded countries.
Beijing has criticized Japan’s moves as a return to “new militarism.” Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have worsened since comments last year about Taiwan by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a figure seen as more hawkish on defence issues.
(Edited by Vivek Dubey)