China warns against Japan remilitarization at Xiangshan Forum amid Tokyo defense budget hike reports

At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Chinese officials and experts warned against Japan's military build-up, following reports that Tokyo may raise midterm defense spending to 3-3.5% of GDP, aligning with NATO and US allies. This marks a sharpening of China's public rhetoric against Japan's defense posture, which could escalate regional tensions. The actual budget decision remains unconfirmed, but the warning signals Beijing's growing concern over US-led alliance pressure in Asia.