China urges Japan to abandon militarism over record defense spending and lethal weapon exports.

China's Ministry of National Defense has urged Japan to abandon its move toward militarism, criticizing Tokyo's record-high 2026 defense budget and plans to allow lethal weapon exports. A spokesperson stated these actions, driven by right-wing forces, threaten regional stability and violate international law and Japan's own Constitution. China emphasized that Japan's failure to properly confront its wartime past continues to fuel regional distrust.