Japan's Ministry of Defense released the "Defense of Japan 2026" white paper on August 4. This new white paper is filled with false narratives and hypes up so-called "security threats," attempting to cloak its sinister intentions of expanding military buildup and breaking away from the exclusively defense-oriented policy under the guise of "peace" and "defense".

The new white paper includes a dedicated chapter on "trends in new ways of warfare" for the first time, advocating expanded use of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, and stronger capabilities for sufficient sustained military operations. It also significantly expands discussion of strengthening Japan's "defense production and technological bases," advocating for the integration of military and civilian technologies and transnational joint research and development of weapons, in an attempt to provide justification for relaxing export controls on lethal weapons.

The "Defense of Japan 2026" white paper once again exposes Japan's dangerous schemes of neo-militarism, and sends a warning signal that Japan is transforming from the "peaceful nation" it has proclaimed since the post-war period into a "war state". In response, Asian countries and the broader international community must maintain high vigilance, resolutely curb Japan's neo-militarism before it wreaks havoc, and jointly safeguard the post-war international order as well as regional peace and stability.

Producers: Li Weichao, Zhang Jinwen and Yang Xueqing