In a sharp diplomatic confrontation, China has issued a stern warning to Japan, demanding it cease criticism of Beijing's growing military expenditure. The rebuke, delivered on December 17, 2025, accused Tokyo of hypocrisy and attempting to whitewash its own aggressive history.
Beijing's Fierce Retort at Foreign Ministry Briefing
During a regular press briefing, officials from China's Foreign Ministry launched a forceful counterattack against recent remarks from Japan concerning China's defence budget. They categorically rejected the notion that Beijing's military modernisation poses any threat to regional stability.
The Chinese spokespersons labelled Japan's comments as "despicable" and "reprehensible." They emphasised that China's military growth is entirely lawful and is designed with a purely defensive posture in mind. The core of Beijing's argument rested on the principle of self-defence and sovereign right.
Historical Grievances Take Centre Stage
The response took a deeply historical turn, with China directly questioning Japan's moral authority on matters of military conduct. Beijing pointedly referenced Japan's actions during wartime periods of the 20th century, suggesting Tokyo had not fully atoned for its past.
This linkage implies that, from China's perspective, Japan lacks the standing to lecture other nations on defence policies. The message was clear: Japan has "no right" to criticise before fully confronting its own historical legacy. This exchange highlights how historical memory continues to fuel contemporary geopolitical tensions in Asia.
Implications for Asia-Pacific Stability
This public spat underscores the ongoing and deep-seated tensions between the two Asian powers. Disagreements over military budgets are rarely just about numbers; they reflect broader strategic anxieties and competition for influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The incident is likely to further strain diplomatic relations between Beijing and Tokyo. Key implications include:
- A potential hardening of positions on other bilateral issues.
- Increased scrutiny of military movements in the East China Sea.
- Ripple effects across regional security dialogues and alliances.
For nations like India, which closely monitors the balance of power in Asia, such exchanges are a reminder of the volatile underpinnings of regional diplomacy. The call for Japan to "STOP NOW" signals China's unwillingness to accept external scrutiny of what it considers its sovereign prerogatives.
