China warns against US missile deployment in Japan, calls it threat to regional stability

BEIJING: China on Friday strongly opposed the planned deployment of a United States midrange missile system in Japan, warning that the move could heighten military tensions, trigger an arms race and undermine peace and stability across the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized Washington’s reported plan to deploy the Typhon midrange missile system in Japan between June and September during joint military exercises with Japanese forces.

According to media reports, the Typhon missile system — capable of launching multipurpose missiles over thousands of kilometers — is expected to remain at a US military base in Japan after the drills conclude.

Guo described the deployment as a serious threat to regional security, calling the Typhon system a “strategic offensive weapon” that would damage the legitimate security interests of neighboring countries.

“The deployment will threaten regional strategic security and push up the risk of military confrontation and an arms race,” Guo warned, adding that the move would bring “nothing but harm” to regional peace and stability.

The Chinese spokesperson also accused Japan of accelerating remilitarization, saying recent developments indicated that right-wing forces in Japan were attempting to significantly expand the country’s military capabilities under the pretext of preparing for a so-called “extended conflict.”

“Various signs show that Japanese right-wing forces are seeking an overall restructuring of Japan’s military capabilities,” Guo said.

He further argued that such steps could weaken the spirit of Japan’s postwar constitution and challenge the international order established after World War II.

Guo’s remarks came in response to questions regarding a draft proposal by Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party advocating increased defence spending and expanded military preparedness.

The spokesperson urged Asia-Pacific countries to remain “highly vigilant” against what he described as Japan’s “neo-militarism” and called for joint efforts to preserve regional peace and stability.

The latest exchange reflects growing strategic tensions in East Asia as China, the United States and regional allies continue to compete over military influence, security partnerships and missile deployments across the Indo-Pacific region.