Japan Conducts Live-Fire Drills Near Taiwan, Prompting Sharp China Criticism
Japan fired surface-to-ship missiles during multinational exercises in the Philippines this week, drawing immediate criticism from China. The drills took place in waters between the Philippines and Taiwan, and witnessed the participation of the US, Australian, French, Canadian and New Zealand forces.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has accelerated Japan’s shift toward a more robust defence posture. Consequently, Tokyo now engages more actively in regional security cooperation. On Wednesday, forces launched two Type-88 missiles at a retired Philippine navy corvette. The vessel sank approximately 75 kilometers offshore. Japanese and Philippine defence ministers observed the exercise in Ilocos Norte province, roughly 400 kilometers from Taiwan.
The 19-day Balikatan exercises conclude Friday. Moreover, they involve approximately 17,000 military personnel. Notably, Japanese combat troops joined for the first time. Japan has recently pursued “counterstrike” capabilities while increasing military spending. Additionally, Tokyo deepened security partnerships with regional allies.
Beijing Condemns “Remilitarisation”
China strongly condemned the missile test on Wednesday, as Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called it “another example of the Japanese right-wing forces’ push for accelerated remilitarisation of Japan.” He added that “not only has Japan, the aggressor, failed to deeply reflect on its historical crimes, it has even sent military forces overseas and fired offensive missiles under the pretext of security cooperation.”
Tensions escalated after Takaichi suggested Japan might intervene militarily if China attempted to take Taiwan. Beijing regards Taiwan as part of its territory. Consequently, China advised citizens to avoid Japan and imposed trade restrictions.
Yee Kuang Heng, a University of Tokyo international security professor, noted the test’s significance. He stated the exercise was “particularly significant as island defence is a shared concern of both Japan and the Philippines.” Furthermore, Heng highlighted Japan’s Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade participation in counter-landing drills. He added that “Balikatan 2026 also saw the maiden deployment of Japan’s ShinMaywa US-2 amphibious aircraft for air-sea rescue and medical procedures, especially important given the long sea lanes in the region.”
