China condemned what it called Japan’s first “offensive missile” test overseas in eight decades, saying Tokyo’s “neo-militarism” and intensified arms race had gained momentum and threatened regional stability.
During the “Balikatan 2026” joint drill led by the United States and the Philippines on Wednesday, Japanese forces fired a Type 88 surface-to-ship missile in the Philippines.
According to China, it was the first time Japan had launched an “offensive” weapon abroad since World War II. The missile can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, but deploying it outside Japanese territory can be seen as an offensive posture.
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Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said it marked a significant departure from Japan’s post-war pacifist stance.
“Japan’s right-wing forces are pushing for an accelerated ‘remilitarisation’ process,” Lin said, adding that Tokyo was constantly overstepping its “exclusively defence-oriented” policy and violating international and domestic legal constraints.
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He pointed to Japan’s wartime history of aggression against Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines.
“The former aggressor has not only failed to deeply reflect on its historical crimes but has instead dispatched military forces overseas and launched offensive missiles under the guise of so-called ‘security cooperation’,” he said.