Russia has sharply criticized Japan’s newly released annual Defense White Paper, accusing Tokyo of inflaming tensions in Asia and advancing a dangerous military agenda with its Western allies.
In remarks published July 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow had taken note of the document, which drew strong criticism from both China and North Korea earlier this week.
“We regret that this year’s White Paper again repeats the same tired insinuations about Russia in the context of the Ukrainian crisis and our cooperation with North Korea, absurdly linking them to what it claims is the degradation of the situation in Asia,” Zakharova said.
She argued that Tokyo is deliberately escalating rhetoric about perceived threats from Russia, China’s actions in the Taiwan Strait, and North Korea’s missile program. This, she said, serves as a pretext to justify Japan’s “accelerated militarization” and expanding defense cooperation with NATO countries.
“Official Tokyo is clearly seeking to accelerate military and technical cooperation with its Western allies, especially with extra-regional NATO states,” Zakharova added.
According to the ministry, Russia has repeatedly warned Japan through diplomatic channels that this trajectory risks undermining security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Moscow sees it as driving “a new stage in the arms race” and says it could directly damage already strained bilateral relations.
The Russian government is still reviewing the 2025 White Paper, with particular attention to sections on missile defense. “If we identify any risks or challenges to the security of the Russian Federation in this area, we will respond accordingly,” Zakharova warned.
Her comments come just days after Moscow lodged a formal protest with the Japanese Embassy in connection with Japan’s participation in Resolute Force Pacific, a major U.S.-led military exercise running from July 9 to August 4. The maneuvers involve Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force and are taking place partly near Russia’s Far Eastern borders.
The Russian Foreign Ministry described the drills as “irresponsible” and accused Washington and Tokyo of practicing scenarios resembling preparations for conflict.
“The declared purpose of these maneuvers—to improve interoperability and strengthen deterrence and response capabilities—is a direct challenge to Russia’s security,” Zakharova said. “This is an unacceptable and provocative activity, and it will inevitably trigger appropriate countermeasures from our side.”
The annual Japanese Defense White Paper, approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government, outlines Tokyo’s strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific, including Chinese military activities, North Korean missile development, and Russia’s operations in Ukraine. It also highlights Japan’s efforts to expand its defense capabilities and deepen ties with the U.S. and other partners.
Moscow’s latest statements underline how the war in Ukraine and tensions in East Asia are increasingly intersecting, as Russia, China, and North Korea align more closely against the U.S. and its allies.
Zakharova’s warnings are the clearest sign yet that Russia views Japan’s evolving defense policy as a potential threat that could alter the security balance in the region.