Japan's military expansion threatens regional security: China

A Chinese defense spokesman on Thursday warned that Japan's expanding military deployments and efforts to strengthen military cooperation with other countries pose a threat to regional security, citing the recent "Keen Sword 27" joint exercise with the United States.

A protester holding a sign attends a protest rally in Tokyo, Japan, Oct 20, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to reports that the US and Japan held their largest-ever "Keen Sword 27" joint exercise from Oct 19 to Thursday.

The exercise focused on island-seizure operations, according to reports. Japan's Self-Defense Forces deployed the long-range Type-25 surface-to-ship missile during the drills, while the US Marine Corps deployed its Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System for the first time on Yonaguni Island, Japan, which is geographically close to Taiwan.

Zhang said the Asia-Pacific is a region of peace and development, adding that attempts to provoke bloc confrontation run counter to public sentiment.

Japan is aligning with certain countries through so-called joint exercises, developing and deploying medium- and long-range missiles, and continuously strengthening its military presence on its southwestern islands, he said.

"These moves show that Japan is accelerating its remilitarization and is becoming a real threat to regional security," Zhang added.

Responding to a question about the exercise near Taiwan, Zhang said the Taiwan question is China's internal affair and that China will never allow external forces to interfere in its Taiwan region.

"No one should underestimate China's firm resolve, determination and strong capability to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," Zhang said, warning that any attempt to use Taiwan to contain China or engage in reckless military provocations would incur an unbearable cost.