Tokyo, April 10 – Japan has downgraded its description of China in its 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook, released on Friday, highlighting the strained ties between the two nations triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November, according to local media.
In the annual report submitted by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at a Cabinet meeting, China is referred to as an "important neighboring country" instead of "one of the most important bilateral relations" in the 2025 edition, Kyodo News, Japan's leading news agency, reported.
The change in the report regarding China's description apparently reflects the strained ties between the two nations following Takaichi's remarks in parliament in November last year, where she stated that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be considered a survival-threatening situation for Japan and could lead to a response from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Notably, China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and insists on its reunification with the mainland, by force if necessary.
According to the report, which reviews foreign policy developments from January to December in 2025, China has increased "unilateral criticism and coercive measures" against Japan, citing incidents such as Chinese military aircraft targeting SDF aircraft with radar illumination and export restrictions on dual-use items to Japan, Kyodo News reported.
In the report, Japan also expressed its willingness to hold dialogue with China, stating that Tokyo has not closed the door to interacting with Beijing. The report also emphasized Japan's commitment to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific initiative.
Earlier in February, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi responded to China's criticism of Tokyo trying to strengthen its defense capabilities, according to local media.
When asked about the Japanese government's push to eliminate the limitations on the transfer of defense equipment to five non-combat purposes – rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and mine sweeping, he said, "It appears that China has been waging a propaganda campaign against us, as if Japan is becoming militaristic," Kyodo News reported.
Speaking to reporters, Koizumi stated that the government's decision was largely driven by the rising security threat posed by China, citing data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Koizumi said that China's arms exports from 2015 to 2024 were worth about USD 17 billion, "making it the fourth-largest arms exporter in the world, while Japan is not even in the top 50."
He said, "In the current security situation, it is essential for us to develop our own defense capabilities without relying on a particular country (for parts procurement)."