China has accused Japan of reckless militarism. What’s behind the latest tensions?

Relations between Tokyo and Beijing have been up and down for many years, but they reached a very low point this week.

China announced new rules that limit exporting 40 Japanese companies’ products. These companies sell items that can be used for both peaceful and military purposes. China stated this was because of Japan’s ‘reckless pursuit of new militarism’.

This happened after Tokyo protested joint military exercises by Chinese and Russian bombers near its territory. Japan also reported that a Chinese coast guard vessel had entered its Exclusive Economic Zone, an area where Japan has special rights for resources. Japan has also said it is placing missile launchers on its easternmost island.

These events have caused a back-and-forth of tensions between the two countries. The question is, what started this, and is there a way to reduce the conflict?

In November 2025, Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, made comments that caused controversy. She said that if an attack on Taiwan happened and the conflict threatened Japan’s existence, her country’s self-defence forces might be used. Although her statement didn’t change official policy, previous Japanese leaders usually avoided discussing potential military action regarding Taiwan.

Beijing reacted strongly and negatively. China accused Takaichi of interfering in its internal affairs. China also put economic sanctions in place, cancelled diplomatic meetings, and discouraged its citizens from visiting Japan. Travel has been significantly reduced, cultural exchanges cancelled, and a ban on seafood imports from Japan continues.

China and Japan have a long history of difficult relations. China feels that Japan has not sufficiently apologized for its harsh occupation of China during the second world war. China often brings up this historical issue when it accuses Japan of rearming and threatening peace in the region.

While Japan’s defence budget has increased to around $58bn this year, China’s defence spending is much higher, about $275bn. Japan is considering changes to its post-war constitution, which includes a clause promoting peace. Supporters of these changes argue that Japan needs stronger defence capabilities to protect itself from countries like China and North Korea.

These difficult relations have negatively affected trade. China has limited the export of rare earth materials and arrested two Japanese citizens it suspects of breaking these rules. Chinese tourist numbers in Japan dropped by 45% in February. However, despite political disagreements, trade between the two countries continues to grow.

Despite the challenges, there is hope for improvement. Japan is planning diplomatic efforts, including a possible meeting between Prime Minister Takaichi and China’s leader Xi Jinping at a summit in November. However, China’s government has repeatedly asked Takaichi to take back her comments on Taiwan, which she is unlikely to do because they were popular with her supporters.