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Japan Challenges China Over Militarism Criticism Amid Rising Tensions

2/16/2026

Summary

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Japan's Foreign Ministry issued a demarche to China after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's Munich Security Conference remarks criticizing Japan's militarism.
Wang Yi warned against Japan's return to militarism, outlining potential consequences of its defense policies toward Taiwan.
Experts said Japan's response showed a lack of diplomatic restraint.
The remarks reflect a rising rightward shift in Japanese politics and worry among Asia-Pacific nations about Tokyo's military aims.

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Story summary

Japan's Foreign Ministry issued a demarche to China after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's Munich Security Conference remarks criticizing Japan's militarism.
Wang Yi warned against Japan's return to militarism, outlining potential consequences of its defense policies toward Taiwan.
Experts said Japan's response showed a lack of diplomatic restraint.
The remarks reflect a rising rightward shift in Japanese politics and worry among Asia-Pacific nations about Tokyo's military aims.