China Condemns Japan's Plan to Revise Security Documents

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China condemned a draft proposal by Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party to revise three key national security documents. The proposal, approved on June 9, 2026, seeks to increase defense expenditures, strengthen counterstrike capabilities, and provide institutional support for the military industry, including a potential government-led system for military exports.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian characterized the shift as a move toward an offensive and expansionary security policy. He asserted that Japan is using a China threat narrative to justify remilitarization and undermine constraints imposed by international law and the Japanese Constitution. Lin rejected claims that Japan remains committed to a policy of exclusive defense, arguing that the deployment of long-range missiles and easing of lethal weapon exports prove otherwise.

Japanese authorities intend to incorporate expert recommendations this autumn before formally approving the documents in December. The government is also preparing a 2026 Defense White Paper to address China's growing military power and enhance deterrence through allied cooperation. In response to these developments, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations issued a statement opposing the expansion of lethal weapons exports.