Japan has published a new Defense White Paper, stating that China has significantly expanded its ability to operate far beyond its coastline. In response, Tokyo plans to strengthen its surveillance system, increase ammunition production, and enhance its own defense capabilities.
In the 610-page document released on Tuesday, it is noted that Beijing is actively developing its aircraft carrier fleet and operating more confidently in remote areas of the Pacific Ocean. According to Japanese officials, this is part of a strategy to protect sea routes, bolster territorial claims, and prepare for potential deterrence against external intervention in the event of a crisis surrounding Taiwan.
As an example, the deployment of the aircraft carrier Liaoning east of Iwo Jima in June last year is cited—the first confirmed operation of a Chinese aircraft carrier beyond the so-called “second island chain.” Additionally, for the first time, the aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong operated simultaneously in the Pacific Ocean. According to Japan’s assessment, during these operations in 2025, more than 1,400 aircraft takeoffs and landings were recorded.
The report also mentions the commissioning of China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which, according to the document’s authors, further expands China’s ability to conduct prolonged military operations far from its own territory. Associate Professor Misato Matsuoka of Teikyo University noted that Tokyo is increasingly evaluating not just individual sorties of the Chinese fleet, but its capacity to maintain a permanent military presence in the Pacific Ocean.
Japan strengthens its defense
In response, Japan plans to significantly enhance its early detection and response system. The Air Self-Defense Force is creating a continuous surveillance network that will integrate ships, aircraft, satellites, and drones, while also expanding its long-range strike capabilities.
Among the planned measures are the installation of a mobile radar on Kitadaito Island and the establishment of a satellite group expected to be fully operational by 2027. The document also emphasizes that current stocks of ammunition, fuel, and equipment may be insufficient for a prolonged conflict.
Therefore, Tokyo intends to increase ammunition production, strengthen command centers, disperse aviation assets, and improve maritime and air transportation. According to Misato Matsuoka, the country aims to create an integrated system capable of controlling a much larger portion of the Pacific Ocean.
During a visit to Iwo Jima in March, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described strengthening defense in the Pacific Ocean as an “urgent task,” noting that some areas of the country’s Pacific coast remain inadequately protected. Subsequently, the Japanese Ministry of Defense established a special Pacific Defense Concept Office, which will develop a new system for troop deployment and necessary infrastructure.
Associate Professor Sebastian Maslow of Tokyo University believes that the new White Paper reflects a long-term restructuring of Japan’s defense policy in response to increased military activity by China in the Indo-Pacific region. He suggests that future changes to key national security documents will further enhance international defense cooperation and the integration of allied forces.
Although final decisions have not yet been made, the government’s recent actions indicate that Tokyo is shifting from merely observing China’s military activity to actively bolstering its own defense. Professor Shi Yinhong of Renmin University noted that Japan’s defense policy has been based on three priorities for several years: preparing for a potential crisis around Taiwan, countering missile threats from North Korea, and deterring China and Russia in the East China and Japan Seas.
According to the expert, following the change of government at the end of last year, these priorities have only intensified. He believes that the mutual increase in military activity by China and Japan has made the risk of a large-scale conflict in the region “more noticeable than ever.”
Source: South China Morning Post
