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China Warns of “New Japanese Militarism” Over NATO Mission Supporting Ukraine
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China has expressed concern over Japan’s decision to send personnel from its Self-Defense Forces to a NATO mission coordinating military assistance for Ukraine.
The remarks were made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press briefing, according to Ukrinform correspondent on June 1.
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“China is concerned by the actions of the Japanese side, which is actively promoting remilitarization and expanding the geographical scope of its military activities,” Lin said. “We urge the international community to remain highly vigilant regarding manifestations of a new Japanese militarism.”
In his view, such steps could lead to Japanese military personnel becoming involved in actual combat operations, which would be inconsistent with Tokyo’s pacifist commitments.
“The creation of such infrastructure under NATO auspices undermines regional stability and does not correspond to the status of a peaceful nation that Japan claims to uphold,” the Chinese diplomat added.
On May 29, The Japan Times reported that Japan is set to station Self-Defense Forces personnel at NATO’s command responsible for coordinating assistance to Ukraine, marking the first time Japanese military officers will be assigned to the alliance’s Ukraine support mission in Germany.
The move reflects Tokyo’s growing security cooperation with NATO as Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to influence defense policies well beyond the European continent.
Under the plan, Japan will send four Self-Defense Forces officers to the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission based in Wiesbaden, Germany. Established in July 2024, NSATU oversees the coordination of military aid deliveries and training programs for Ukrainian forces.
The contingent will consist of two officers from the Ground Self-Defense Force, one from the Air Self-Defense Force, and one from the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Their responsibilities will include facilitating coordination on military assistance and training efforts for Ukraine, as well as maintaining liaison with allied partner nations involved in the mission. Japanese defense officials emphasized that the personnel will not participate in combat activities.
On the same day, Tokyo expanded its support for Kyiv by joining the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) program and pledging over $14.6 million for the procurement of essential military equipment.
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