China criticizes Japan’s drill with the US and Australia

China opposes Japan’s military drill with the US and Australia

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin criticized Japan’s forward deployment of strategic strike weapons and its joint military drill with the US and Australia. Bin argued that Orient Shield 26, which began on September 8, increases the risk of regional conflict.

Scraper SystemSeptember 15, 2026, 10:26 AM

China opposes Japan’s military drill with the US and Australia

Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Japan’s forward deployment of strategic strike weapons and its joint military drill with the US and Australian armies increase the risk of conflict in the region.

The drill conducted by Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force with the US and Australian armies in the Hokkaido and Kagoshima regions was the focus of China’s criticism. Named Orient Shield 26, the drill began on September 8 and will continue until September 24.

China criticizes Japan’s defense policy

Jiang Bin argued that the drill aims to advance the forward deployment of strategic strike weapons under the rhetoric of a “shield.” Bin said this approach poses a serious threat to regional peace and stability.

The Chinese spokesperson alleged that Japan has repeatedly violated its policy focused solely on defense under the principles of its pacifist Constitution. He described the development of long-range strike weapons and the acceleration of military drills overseas as part of a remilitarization process.

Bin said every step that strengthens Japan’s military objectives would drag the region into a dangerous spiral and ultimately harm Japan as well. The Chinese spokesperson also called on Japan, the US and Australia to respect the security concerns of other countries, correct their wrongful practices and contribute to regional peace and stability through concrete steps.