Beijing has repeatedly expressed its “serious concern” and “firm opposition” to the strengthening of the partnership between Japan and NATO , viewing it as a provocative step that risks reviving Japanese militarism, intensifying block confrontation in the Asia-Pacific, and undermining regional stability.
Chinese officials and state media have portrayed these developments as evidence that Japan is moving away from its post-war pacifist constraints while supporting what Beijing sees as NATO’s unwanted expansion into Asia.
Why Is China Concerned?
In April of last year, Japan and NATO expanded defense-industrial cooperation through a joint declaration and an agreement signed by then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte .
The agreement builds upon the 2023–2026 Individualized Partnership Program , which includes:
- Cyber defense
- Emerging technologies
- Military interoperability
- Maritime security
- Support for Ukraine
Since then, Japan has deployed personnel from its Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) headquarters in Germany, marking the first such deployment in May 2026.
Japan has also hosted high-level NATO delegations focused on defense-industrial cooperation, while both sides have continued dialogues on defense capabilities and industrial collaboration throughout late 2025 and early 2026.
Beijing’s Position
Spokespersons from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Lin Jian , have condemned these developments as:
- “Colluding with NATO to interfere in China’s internal affairs.”
- “Stoking regional tensions.”
- “Promoting confrontation.”
Beijing argues that NATO is a North Atlantic regional organization and therefore has no legitimate reason to expand its presence into the Indo-Pacific region.
Chinese officials also maintain that Japan should “learn lessons from history” rather than pursue what they describe as remilitarization.