The Japanese Ministry of Defense is moving forward with plans to deploy upgraded land-based Type 12 anti-ship missiles in Kyushu by 2026, drawing immediate and direct criticism from China’s Ministry of National Defense.
According to media reports, the new missile variant will have extended range capabilities, placing parts of China’s coastal areas within striking distance. The plan was disclosed in Japan’s draft budget for fiscal year 2026, which sets defense spending at a record 8.85 trillion yen.
In response, Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, deputy director of China’s Ministry of National Defense Information Bureau and official spokesperson, issued a statement on September 10 warning that Japan’s trajectory raises deep concern.
“Japan is accelerating military expansion and developing capabilities far beyond what is required for so-called ‘exclusive self-defense,’ including offensive weapons systems,” Jiang said. “This has raised alarm among all peace-loving people across the world.”
Jiang linked Japan’s recent moves to historical patterns of aggression in Asia, pointing to the legacy of Imperial Japan during World War II. “We just commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War,” Jiang said. “Eighty years ago, Japanese militarism inflicted enormous suffering on the people of Asian countries.”
Jiang stated that the determination of regional countries to safeguard peace is now stronger than ever, and he emphasized that there will be no tolerance for the reemergence of militaristic ambitions. “We urge Japan to earnestly reflect on its history of aggression, genuinely respect the security concerns of its Asian neighbors and the international community, and act with prudence in the field of military security,” he said.
The upgraded Type 12 missile system, originally designed for coastal defense, is now being reconfigured for longer-range strike missions. Reports indicate that the enhanced system could engage maritime targets far beyond Japan’s immediate waters. While the Japanese government has not officially commented on the exact range or targeting parameters of the modified system, its strategic location in Kyushu—Japan’s southwestern island—suggests coverage that could extend deep into the East China Sea.
Jiang’s remarks also appear aimed at shaping international perceptions ahead of Japan’s planned deployment.
“Japan must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past,” he said, calling on Tokyo to take seriously the collective concerns of countries in the region.
The escalating rhetoric underscores a broader strategic shift in East Asia. As Japan’s military posture adapts to new threats, including China’s growing naval presence near disputed islands in the East China Sea, the risk of a regional arms race continues to mount.