Xi aide blasts Japan’s new defence paper; Trump ally accused of turning pacific into ‘powder keg’

China has sharply criticized Japan’s latest defense policies, warning that Tokyo’s accelerating military buildup risks turning the region into a “dangerous powder keg.” The remarks came after Japan’s new defense white paper described China as an “unprecedented challenge” and pledged to counter security threats using its full national strength. Beijing accused Tokyo of using the China threat narrative to justify rearmament, expand military capabilities, and loosen postwar restrictions. Chinese officials also highlighted Japan’s Type-25 high-speed glide bomb program as evidence of growing long-range strike ambitions. The dispute underscores rising tensions between Asia’s two largest powers over regional security.