Japan sounds alarm over China’s expanding Pacific footprint, vows defence boost

Japan's latest defense white paper sounds a stark alarm over China's expanding military reach into the western Pacific Ocean. The 610-page document, released Tuesday, warns that Beijing is significantly improving its ability to sustain military operations farther from its mainland.

Tokyo pledges to bolster its own defense capabilities in response, vowing to enhance its monitoring systems, strike capabilities, and ammunition production. The white paper specifically notes China's strengthening aircraft carrier force and its steady improvement in operating in more distant seas and airspace.

The document frames China's growing reach as a strategic move to insulate its mainland from potential conflict, protect vital sea lanes, and solidify its territorial claims. It suggests that extending maritime and air power projection is crucial for Beijing if it aims to deter outside intervention during a Taiwan contingency.

To underscore this shift, the white paper points to several developments over the past year. A key assessment was the Liaoning aircraft carrier's deployment east of Iwo Jima in June last year, marking the first publicly confirmed operation by a Chinese carrier beyond the second island chain. This was further emphasized by the simultaneous Pacific deployment of both the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers.