China’s Director of the Workplace of the Central Overseas Affairs Fee, Wang Yi. File
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
Tokyo mentioned it had lodged a “stern demarche” to China by means of diplomatic channels after Beijing’s prime diplomat Wang Yi accused “far-right forces” in Japan of looking for to revive militarism.
Talking on the Munich Safety Convention in Germany, Mr. Wang weighed in on Beijing’s present relationship with Tokyo, which has been underneath heavy pressure since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made feedback about Taiwan in November.
Mr. Wang mentioned that “Japanese folks ought to now not permit themselves to be manipulated or deceived by these far-right forces, or by those that search to revive militarism”.
“All peace-loving international locations ought to ship a transparent warning to Japan: if it chooses to stroll again on this path, it should solely be heading towards self-destruction.”
Japan’s Ministry of Overseas Affairs dismissed the claims in a submit on X Sunday (February 16, 2026) as “factually incorrect and ungrounded”.
“Japan’s efforts to strengthen its protection capabilities are in response to an more and more extreme safety setting and will not be directed in opposition to any particular third nation,” the assertion mentioned.
It mentioned there have been “international locations within the worldwide group which were quickly rising their army capabilities in a non-transparent method” however added that “Japan opposes such strikes and distances itself from them”.
Overseas Minister Toshimitsu Motegi made his stance clear at one other session of the convention, adopted by a stern demarche in opposition to the Chinese language facet by means of diplomatic channels, the assertion mentioned.
Simply weeks into her time period, PM Takaichi mentioned Japan would intervene militarily in any assault on Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-ruled democratic island as a part of its territory and has threatened to make use of power to convey it underneath its management.
PM Takaichi was seen as a China hawk earlier than changing into Japan’s first lady Prime Minister in October. She mentioned final week that underneath her management Japan — which hosts some 60,000 U.S. army personnel — would bolster its defences and “steadfastly shield” its territory.
Revealed – February 16, 2026 10:53 pm IST