China Reshaping Indo-Pacific Poses Irreversible Threat to Japan: Analysts

Tokyo’s latest defense report indicates that Beijing is reshaping the Indo-Pacific order, prompting experts to believe Washington and Tokyo will need to forcefully counter China’s growing assertiveness. The 2026 defense white paper identifies China’s external posture and military activities as an “unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge” to Japan. The report highlights China’s sustained “high-level growth of its defense budget without transparency” and its intensified operations in regions surrounding Japan, such as the East China Sea and along the First Island Chain.

• Tokyo’s latest defense report suggests Beijing is reshaping the Indo-Pacific order.
• Experts believe this shift will push Washington and Tokyo to forcefully counter China’s assertiveness.
• The 2026 defense white paper calls China’s activities an “unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge” to Japan.
• The report notes China’s sustained, non-transparent defense budget growth.
• Beijing has intensified operations in the East China Sea and along the First Island Chain.