The Ministry of National Defense Responds to Journalists' Questions on the Japanese Version of the "Defense White Paper"

According to a message from the WeChat public account "National Defense Ministry Releases," on August 4, Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Chen Xi responded to a journalist's question regarding the Japanese government's release of the 2026 edition of the "Defense White Paper." In response to Japan's characterization of China's military movements as an "unprecedented and greatest strategic challenge" and its hype over the security situation in areas surrounding China, Chen Xi said that the new Japanese white paper is filled with false narratives and is hyping up the socalled "China threat," to which the Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition. Chen Xi also pointed out that, under the name of "exclusively defensive defense," Japan is advancing adjustments to its defense policy, continuously increasing defense spending, developing longrange strike capabilities, and accelerating expansion in related fields. He said this approach is bringing risks to peace and stability in the region. The Chinese side also stressed that the Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and urged the Japanese side to reflect on history, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and not continue down the wrong path.