Beijing has repeatedly expressed its “grave concern” and “firm opposition” to the strengthening of the partnership between Japan and NATO, viewing it as a provocative step that risks reviving Japanese militarism, intensifying bloc confrontation in the Asia-Pacific, and undermining regional stability.
Chinese officials and state media have portrayed these developments as evidence that Japan is moving away from its post-war pacifist constraints while supporting what Beijing sees as NATO’s unwanted expansion into Asia.
Why Is China Concerned?
In April of last year, Japan and NATO expanded defense-industrial cooperation through a joint declaration and an agreement signed by then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The agreement builds upon the 2023–2026 Individualized Partnership Program, which includes:
- Cyber defense
- Emerging technologies
- Military interoperability
- Maritime security
- Support for Ukraine
Since then, Japan has deployed personnel from its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) headquarters in Germany, marking the first such deployment in May 2026.
Japan has also hosted high-level NATO delegations focused on defense-industrial cooperation, while both sides have continued dialogues on defense capabilities and industrial collaboration throughout late 2025 and early 2026.
Beijing’s Position
Spokespersons from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Lin Jian, have condemned these developments as:
- “Colluding with NATO to interfere in China’s internal affairs.”
- “Stoking regional tensions.”
- “Promoting confrontation.”
Beijing argues that NATO is a North Atlantic regional organization and therefore has no legitimate reason to expand its presence into the Indo-Pacific region.
Chinese officials also maintain that Japan should “learn lessons from history” rather than pursue what they describe as remilitarization.
Tensions have been further aggravated by broader diplomatic disputes, particularly those related to Taiwan.
Japan’s Evolving Security Posture
Japan’s actions reflect a significant but gradual transformation of its defense strategy, driven by concerns over:
- China’s military modernization.
- Chinese activities in the East and South China Seas.
- Joint Russian-Chinese military operations near Japanese territory.
- Threats posed by North Korea.
Record Defense Spending
Japan approved an initial fiscal year 2026 defense budget of approximately ¥9 trillion (about $58 billion).
This represents another step toward the country’s goal of allocating 2% of GDP to defense, with some projections indicating that spending could reach approximately 1.9% ahead of schedule.
The budget supports:
- Upgraded long-range Type-12 missiles.
- Unmanned military systems.
- Coastal defense infrastructure.
- Enhanced joint operational capabilities.
Constitutional and Legal Changes
Article 9 of Japan’s Constitution renounces war and prohibits the maintenance of traditional war-fighting capabilities.
However, reinterpretations over recent decades have allowed limited forms of collective self-defense.
Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October 2025, discussions regarding a formal constitutional revision remain active, although politically sensitive.
Expanding International Partnerships
Beyond NATO, Japan has strengthened cooperation through:
- The Quad partnership.
- Trilateral security arrangements.
- Reciprocal access agreements with allies.
Tokyo continues to describe its approach as an “exclusively defensive defense policy,” arguing that these measures are necessary responses to a deteriorating security environment.
While critics, particularly China, characterize these developments as “remilitarization,” Japanese officials argue they are intended to:
- Strengthen deterrence.
- Protect critical maritime trade routes.
- Support a free and open Indo-Pacific governed by international law.
U.S. Support for Japan’s Defense Expansion
The United States has consistently welcomed Japan’s defense modernization and its growing cooperation with NATO, viewing both as complementary to the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed its “ironclad commitment” to Japan’s defense under the 1960 Mutual Security Treaty.
American officials emphasize that security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are increasingly interconnected, linking Russia’s actions in Ukraine with broader concerns regarding China.
U.S. support is framed around improving interoperability among allies and sharing responsibilities in addressing common threats.
Geopolitical Context
These developments are unfolding amid rising tensions between China and Japan, including disputes involving Taiwan and broader economic competition.
China views the situation as part of a U.S.-led strategy of strategic encirclement, while the United States, Japan, and their partners argue that Chinese military activities and territorial pressure contribute to regional instability.
NATO’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific—particularly through cooperation with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—focuses primarily on:
- Cybersecurity.
- Advanced technologies.
- Strategic resilience.
- Political coordination.
The cooperation does not involve collective defense commitments in Asia but does reflect growing strategic alignment among democratic partners.
Stability or Escalation?
The central question remains whether deeper cooperation between Japan and NATO will strengthen deterrence and preserve regional stability, or whether it will accelerate an action-reaction cycle that further intensifies geopolitical competition between China and the Western alliance network.
The answer may play a decisive role in shaping the future balance of power across the Indo-Pacific region.
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