Japan vs. China: What the Latest Naval Movements Mean for Regional Security in 2026

Translation result.

[Anchor] Military tensions between China and Japan have accelerated after a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer transited the Taiwan Strait. As Tokyo eases restrictions to allow exports of lethal weapons and takes part in the Balikatan exercises, Chinese warships have repeatedly transited Japanese sea lanes. Beijing has also deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and an amphibious landing ship in response. This is Bae Sam-jin reporting from Beijing. [Reporter] Japan revised its arms-export guidelines to permit shipments of weapons with lethal capabilities, including missiles, combat aircraft and naval vessels. Officials say next month’s planned state visit by the Philippine president is tied to expanded defense cooperation. Beijing has sharply criticized Tokyo, saying post–World War II security constraints have been breached and that Japan is rearming. “The international community, including China, will remain highly vigilant and firmly block Japan’s new militaristic moves,” said Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Tokyo dispatched about 1,400 Japan Self-Defense Force personnel for the first time to participate in the U.S.- and Philippines-led Balikatan exercises, stepping up efforts to check China. After sending the destroyer Ikazuchi through the Taiwan Strait, Japan expanded live-fire drills in waters near Taiwan. China responded immediately. It moved a new destroyer flotilla through routes along the Japanese island chain into the western Pacific, placed the carrier Liaoning strike group on standby in the western Pacific and is conducting open-ocean drills. Beijing also disclosed it deployed the Sichuan, a modern landing helicopter dock capable of operating drones, to the South China Sea. “Going forward, China’s military drills will be directed at all of Japan — not just outlying islands but the main islands, as well as key sea lanes and straits,” said Lai Yuan-chen, a Taiwanese political commentator. Analysts say China could further reinforce its carrier force. With the United States focused on the Middle East and using Japan as a regional linchpin to pressure Beijing, analysts note that China has demonstrated the capacity to respond simultaneously across multiple maritime theaters. This is Bae Sam-jin for Yonhap News TV in Beijing. [Video: Im Im-rak] [Video editing: Yun Hae-nam] [News review] Yonhap News TV — For article inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; Bae Sam-jin (baesj@yna.co.kr)