China Condemns Japan's Alleged Militarism Revival Amid Nuclear Weapon Remarks

China Voices Strong Opposition to Japan's Militarism

Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has expressed strong opposition to what Beijing perceives as attempts by Japan's right-wing forces to revive militarism. Speaking at a New Year Media Briefing and Gathering on January 28, 2026, Ambassador Xiao specifically cited recent remarks by a senior Japanese official concerning Japan's potential acquisition of nuclear weapons as a significant concern. He stated that such comments are 'consistent with Japan's struggle to revive militarism' and warned that 'Once Japan revives militarism, peoples in the Asia-Pacific region will bear the brunt of the consequences.'

Concerns Over Nuclear Ambitions and Post-War Order

The Chinese Foreign Ministry and other officials have echoed Ambassador Xiao's concerns, highlighting that remarks about Japan possessing nuclear weapons constitute a 'blatant challenge to the postwar international order and the nuclear non-proliferation regime.' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, on December 22, 2025, urged the international community to be highly vigilant against such statements. China also points to Japan's maneuvers in the nuclear field, including maintaining the technology and potential to manufacture nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian nuclear energy, and continuously seeking opportunities to breach its 'Three Non-Nuclear Principles' of not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons.

Broader Militarization Trends Cited by Beijing

Beyond nuclear weapon discussions, Chinese officials have detailed a pattern of actions by Japan's right-wing forces that they interpret as a push towards remilitarization. These include:

• Continuously seeking to breach the constitution.
• Increasing defense spending for 13 consecutive years.
• Repeatedly relaxing restrictions on arms exports.
• Promoting the 'normalization' of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF).
• Acquiring offensive weapons under the pretext of 'strengthening so-called counterstrike capability.'

Chinese Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, on January 27, 2026, stated that these actions expose 'the attempts of Japan's right-wing forces to promote re-militarization and return to the old path of military expansion.'

Historical Context and Warnings for Regional Stability

Chinese officials frequently invoke historical context, noting that Japan has 'never completely reflected on its wars of aggression and has yet to offer a sincere apology to countries in the region, including China and Australia.' Ambassador Xiao emphasized that China and Australia 'fought side by side in World War II and made tremendous sacrifices in resisting Japanese aggression,' urging both countries to remain vigilant against the resurgence of Japanese militarism. Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, on January 29, 2026, warned that Japan's actions 'pose a serious threat to peace and stability in Asia and beyond.' Beijing views these developments as an attempt by Japan's right-wing forces to 'refuse to accept defeat in World War II and their attempt to revive militarism, break free from the international order, and speed up re-militarization.'