1 of 2 | A map in Japan’s 2026 defense white paper shows recent Chinese military activity around Japan, including operations involving a Shang-class submarine, the aircraft carrier Liaoning, H-6 bombers and TB-001 reconnaissance and attack drones. The inverted East Asia map also depicts Chinese-Russian joint naval operations and long-range flights into the Pacific beyond the First Island Chain. Courtesy of Japan Ministry
Aug. 5 (Asia Today) -- Japan repeated its territorial claim over South Korea's Dokdo islets for the 22nd consecutive year while describing South Korea as an important security partner in its 2026 defense white paper.
The 598-page report, approved by the Japanese Cabinet on Tuesday, illustrates the conflicting forces shaping relations between the two countries.
Japan maintained its disputed sovereignty claim over the South Korean-controlled islets while emphasizing the need to work with Seoul and Washington in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and its expanding military cooperation with Russia.
The report also expanded its coverage of artificial intelligence, drones, emerging military technology and Japan's defense production base.
