In a January 16, 2026, opinion piece published by the Global Times, titled “Three questions for Japan tear away its mask of a ‘peaceful country’,” the Chinese state-affiliated outlet accuses Japan of hypocrisy in its security policies. The article, attributed to “Zhong Sheng” (a pseudonym often used for People’s Daily commentaries), criticizes Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s push to revise national security documents, alleging it exposes Japan’s shift toward “neo-militarism,” nuclear ambitions, and regional aggression.
Summary:
The piece poses three rhetorical questions to challenge Japan’s self-image as a pacifist nation:
- Why is Japan eager to undermine its pacifist constitution?
- Why is it considering revising its Three Non-Nuclear Principles, signaling nuclear weapon ambitions?
- Why is it stirring regional trouble, especially by interfering in Taiwan and promoting an “Asia-Pacific NATO”?
It draws parallels to Japan’s WWII aggression, warning of a revival of militarism. Published amid ongoing China-Japan diplomatic strains, the article aligns with Beijing’s narrative of Japan as a threat, often searched under terms like “Japan military expansion fact check.”
Key Claims
We verified claims using sources from Japanese government reports, Western think tanks (e.g., CSIS), international media (e.g., Reuters, Japan Times), and Chinese outlets for balance. While many facts are accurate, the article often exaggerates intent and omits context.
Claim 1: Japan is Pushing Military Expansion While Claiming Peace, Undermining Its Pacifist Constitution
Article’s Assertion: Japan views its 1947 pacifist constitution (renouncing war and banning war potential) as an obstacle. It has hollowed it out via policies like lifting the collective self-defense ban (2014), new security laws (2015), rapid military spending increases, “counterstrike capabilities,” and loosened arms exports, pushing toward “neo-militarism.”
Verification: Largely accurate on actions, but the framing implies aggressive intent without evidence of offensive aims. Japan revised security laws under former PM Shinzo Abe to allow limited collective self-defense in alliances (e.g., with the US). Defense spending is rising to 2% of GDP by FY2025 (ahead of 2027 target), reaching a record ¥9.04 trillion ($58 billion) for FY2026, focusing on missiles, drones, and coastal defense amid threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. Counterstrike capabilities (e.g., Tomahawk missiles) were approved in 2022 for defensive purposes. Arms export rules were relaxed in 2024 for co-developed weapons, but Japan maintains an “exclusively defense-oriented” policy.
Rating: Mostly true, but exaggerated. No evidence of “neo-militarism” as offensive expansion; changes respond to regional threats, including China’s military buildup (world’s second-largest spender).
Claim 2: Japan Seeks to Revise Three Non-Nuclear Principles, Revealing Nuclear Ambitions
Article’s Assertion: As the only nation nuked (Hiroshima/Nagasaki), Japan should uphold non-proliferation but is eager to revise its Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not possessing, producing, or allowing nuclear weapons). It stockpiles excess plutonium, posing risks to global stability.
Verification: Discussions exist, but no formal revision. The principles, established in 1967, remain policy. Takaichi has expressed skepticism about the “not allowing” clause, and ruling coalition talks may consider changes during 2026 security document revisions. Japan holds ~45 tons of plutonium for civilian energy, under IAEA safeguards, not excess for weapons. Hiroshima and Nagasaki assemblies urged maintaining the principles in January 2026. Chinese sources amplify this as “ambitions,” but Japanese media note internal opposition.
Rating: Partially true; discussions are real, but no evidence of active pursuit of nuclear weapons. This claim borders on misinformation by implying imminent armament without proof.
Claim 3: Japan Stirs Regional Trouble, Interferes in Taiwan, Hypes “China Threat,” and Promotes “Asia-Pacific NATO”
Article’s Assertion: Takaichi interferes in Taiwan (China’s internal affair), issues force threats, hypes “China threat” in Taiwan Strait and South China Sea, strains ties with South Korea/Russia/North Korea, and pushes an “Asia-Pacific NATO” as a US vanguard, undermining regional trust.
Verification: Accurate on actions, but biased framing. Takaichi stated a “Taiwan contingency” could be a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, potentially allowing collective self-defense – provoking China to impose trade curbs (e.g., rare earths, seafood). Japan’s 2022 NSS labels China the “greatest strategic challenge.” “Asia-Pacific NATO” refers to alliances like QUAD (US-Japan-India-Australia) and partnerships with NATO, enhanced via 2023-2026 programs for cyber/maritime security. Frictions with neighbors exist (e.g., historical disputes
