China Warns UN Against Japan's Return to Militarism, Citing WWII Atrocities

Chinese Envoy Calls for Vigilance at UN Session

On Monday, January 19, 2026, a Chinese envoy called upon the international community at the United Nations to collectively prevent Japan from returning to what was described as 'the old and pernicious path of militarism'. Sun Lei, charge d'affaires of China's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, delivered the warning during the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the U.N. Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity.

Sun Lei emphasized the historical context of World War II, recalling the 'profound atrocities' committed by Japanese militarism against the people of China, other Asian countries, and the wider world. He noted that 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the commencement of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, commonly known as the Tokyo trials. Sun stated that these trials systematically exposed the crimes of Japanese militarism and contributed to the development of international criminal law, reinforcing post-war efforts to curb expansionist policies.

Concerns Over Japan's Defense Posture

China's warning comes amidst growing concerns in Beijing regarding Japan's recent shifts in defense policy and military buildup. Chinese officials have pointed to several developments:

• Accelerated Military Expansion: Japan's defense budget requests have reached record highs, with plans to increase defense spending to approximately 2 percent of GDP by the end of the decade.
• Offensive Capabilities: Japan is reportedly planning to deploy upgraded versions of its Type-12 land-to-ship guided missiles, with a range capable of covering China's coastal areas. The country is also acquiring long-range cruise missiles, including Tomahawk missiles from the United States, marking a significant shift towards offensive precision strike capabilities.
• Constitutional Reinterpretation: Japan has reinterpreted its constitutional limits to allow for 'counterstrike capabilities', enabling it to hit enemy bases if an attack is imminent.
• Cybersecurity Strategy: China has also expressed alarm over Japan's new cybersecurity strategy, which includes 'active cyber defense', viewed by Beijing as a potential precursor to preemptive cyber aggression.

These actions, according to China, indicate a deviation from Japan's post-war pacifist path and pose a threat to regional stability.

Historical Accountability and International Order

Sun Lei urged the international community to 'jointly safeguard the victorious outcomes of the Second World War' and 'uphold the international order based on international law'. He stressed the importance of preventing Japan from 'reverting to the old and pernicious path of militarism' in a global environment marked by instability and regional conflicts.

This recent statement follows a period of heightened diplomatic tension between China and Japan, particularly concerning remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in late 2025 regarding a potential 'Taiwan contingency'. China's Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong, had previously sent letters to the UN Secretary-General refuting Japan's arguments and warning against its military ambitions.