Published: 17:41, May 6, 2026
China responds to Japan launching offensive missiles overseas
By Xinhua

In this file photo dated June 24, 2025, Japan's army test-fires a Type 88 surface-to-ship short-range missile at the Shizunai Anti-Air Firing Range on Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido in its first missile test on Japanese territory. (PHOTO/ JAPAN GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE VIA AP)

BEIJING - A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday Japan's right-wing forces are pushing for the acceleration of remilitarization, adding Japan's neo-militarism is rising and posing threat to regional peace and stability.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing, in response to a query about reports saying that Japan recently fired Type 88 missiles in the joint military exercise "Balikatan" between the US and the Philippines, the first time Japan launched offensive missiles overseas after World War II.