China condemns Japan's first overseas offensive missile test since World War Two
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · May 6
China condemns Japan's first overseas offensive missile test since World War Two
8 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · May 6
Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the launch abroad was the first such Japanese test in eight decades and cited the Philippines while criticising Tokyo's military posture.
Beijing said the missile's deployment outside Japanese territory signalled an offensive stance and a significant break from Japan's post-war pacifism, warning of an accelerating regional arms race.
China linked the test to Japan's wartime history in Southeast Asia, accusing Tokyo of pursuing security cooperation while undermining regional peace and stability.
How does Japan's new military posture redraw the security map of the Indo-Pacific?
Is Japan's military revival a necessary shield or a dangerous echo of its past?
With Japan building offensive missiles, is an arms race with China now inevitable?
Balikatan 2026: Japan’s Type 88 Missile Launch and the Escalating Indo-Pacific Arms Race
Overview
In April-May 2026, Japan conducted its first overseas live-fire test of the Type 88 anti-ship missile during the Balikatan exercise in the Philippines, marking a major shift in its defense posture driven by rising regional threats and increased defense spending. This test, enabled by Japan's revised arms export policies and deepening strategic alignment with the US, triggered strong condemnation from China, which also deployed a naval intelligence vessel nearby. The Philippines' ongoing maritime disputes with China made it a key partner hosting these activities, alongside the US's extended deployment of the Typhon missile system. Together, these developments signal a growing integrated allied deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, raising concerns about missile proliferation, regional tensions, and domestic opposition within the Philippines.