Forget Taiwan, these two Asian giants to go at war now? China rages at Japan's ‘new militarism’

China has sharply accused Japan of pursuing “reckless militarism” as tensions between the two Asian powers escalate over Taiwan, military expansion, sanctions, and regional security. Beijing has imposed export controls on 40 Japanese companies while criticizing Tokyo’s growing defense budget, missile deployments, and comments on Taiwan. Japan, meanwhile, says its military buildup is necessary to counter threats from China and North Korea. With diplomatic ties strained, trade under pressure, and both sides exchanging sharp warnings, attention is now turning to a possible Xi Jinping–Sanae Takaichi meeting at the upcoming APEC Summit.