Japan Fires Anti-Ship Missile in Expanded Balikatan Drills; Beijing Warns of ‘Neo-Militarist’ Threat

In a notable show of force, Japanese troops have for the first time fired a live Type 88 anti-ship missile during the annual Balikatan war games, striking a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel in waters adjacent to the disputed South China Sea.

The exercise, traditionally involving Philippine and U.S. forces, saw a major expansion this year with the participation of Japan, Canada, Australia, France, and New Zealand. More than 1,400 Japanese military personnel are now on the ground as part of the drills, which coincide with ongoing talks between Manila and Tokyo over a potential defense equipment transfer. Those negotiations were made possible after Japan recently lifted long-standing restrictions on military exports.

China’s foreign ministry was quick to condemn the developments. Spokesperson Lin Jian accused Japan’s right-wing factions of actively pushing for accelerated remilitarization. He warned that rising neo-militarism in Japan now poses a direct threat to regional stability, citing what he called “long overdue historical education, fundamental errors in historical perspectives, and the strategic pursuit of military strengthening and war preparedness” as key drivers of this shift.

In a parallel display of military capability, Beijing released new footage of its YJ-20 anti-ship ballistic missile—also known as Eagle Strike 20—conducting strike tests at sea. The missile, which has a diameter of less than one meter, can reach Mach 10 in its terminal phase and has an operational range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometers. Powered by a solid-fueled rocket engine and capable of launch from ships or aircraft, the YJ-20 is designed to critically damage large naval vessels.

While Beijing routinely criticizes joint military drills between the Philippines and its allies for heightening regional tensions, Japan is quietly undergoing its most significant military expansion since World War II—a marked departure from its post-war pacifist doctrine toward a more proactive defense posture.