Japan-China Tensions Escalate as Militarism Accusations and Taiwan Policy Frictions Grow
China labels Japan’s actions as “reckless militarism” while Beijing imposes export controls on 40 Japanese firms for dual‑use items; Tokyo responds with missiles on its eastern island as Chinese‑Russian bomber drills near Japan intensify, and Beijing challenges Japan over Taiwan policy in a broader war‑memory dispute. Sanctions, travel and seafood import frictions accompany a robust, multi‑decade trade relationship (about $322 billion in 2025), and both sides cite security threats amid Japan’s defence buildup and potential constitutional changes. Diplomats eye a possible rapprochement at the APEC summit, but China remains wary and has urged Tokyo to retract its Taiwan stance.}{
