By William Emily l Date: May 7, 2026
Japan conducted a major missile exercise in waters near Taiwan on Wednesday alongside military forces from the Philippines, the United States, Australia, and other allies, prompting an angry response from China, which accused Tokyo of accelerating its remilitarization efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.
The military operation took place during the ongoing “Balikatan” joint exercises in the Philippines, one of the largest multinational military drills in the region. During the exercise, Japanese forces launched two Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles at a retired Philippine naval vessel positioned roughly 75 kilometers offshore in the South China Sea. Officials confirmed that both missiles successfully struck the target, causing the old warship to sink.
The launch was witnessed by Japanese and Philippine defense ministers in the northern Philippine province of Ilocos Norte, approximately 400 kilometers from Taiwan. The drills included participation from around 17,000 military personnel from several countries, including combat troops from Japan for the first time in the history of the Balikatan exercises.
The exercises come amid growing tensions in East Asia over Taiwan and the South China Sea, where China has expanded military activities and territorial claims. Japan has increasingly strengthened defense cooperation with regional allies while moving away from its long-standing pacifist military posture established after World War II.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has overseen a significant expansion of Japan’s defense policies since taking office. Her administration has increased military spending, pushed for “counterstrike” capabilities, and recently relaxed restrictions on exporting lethal military equipment to foreign countries. Analysts say the changes reflect growing concerns in Tokyo over regional security threats, particularly from China and North Korea.
Japan’s defense industry has also gained momentum internationally. Last year, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries secured a landmark contract with the Australian Navy to supply 11 warships, highlighting Tokyo’s growing role in the global arms and defense market.
China reacted strongly to Wednesday’s missile launch. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the exercise, accusing Japan of reviving militaristic ambitions under the guise of regional security cooperation. Beijing also criticized Japan for deploying military forces overseas and conducting offensive missile operations despite its wartime history in Asia.
Relations between China and Japan have worsened in recent months following comments by Takaichi suggesting Japan could intervene militarily if China attempted to seize Taiwan by force. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring the self-governed island under Beijing’s control, if necessary through military action.
The drills also reflect deepening military coordination among US allies in the Indo-Pacific region as concerns continue to rise over Chinese naval expansion and increasing confrontations in disputed waters. Washington has repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening regional partnerships to maintain stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and surrounding areas.
Security analysts warn that the growing military activity around Taiwan and the South China Sea could further heighten tensions between China and regional powers. With multiple countries increasing defense cooperation and military readiness, fears are mounting that even a small confrontation could rapidly escalate into a broader regional crisis.