China Slams US "China Threat" Rhetoric After US Defense Secretary's Visit to Japan

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed a joint news conference with Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo on March 30, 2025. Following the visit, the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to Hegseth's statements.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the US for using the "China threat" narrative to provoke ideological conflict and encourage countries to support US dominance. Chinese analysts interpreted Hegseth's visit as a strategy to align Japan with America's geopolitical goals, employing both incentives and pressure. They also urged Japan to value the improving relationship with China.

Hegseth described Japan as an "indispensable partner" in deterring "growing Chinese assertiveness" in the region, highlighting a shared "warrior ethos." The Pentagon also announced the upgrade of the US military command in Japan.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that US-Japan military cooperation should not target any third country or threaten regional peace. China believes the US is using the "threat" narrative to create division and incite confrontation. Guo emphasized the importance of regional countries remaining vigilant against such actions. He also mentioned the upcoming 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascist War, urging Japan to learn from history and exercise caution in military and security matters. The spokesperson reiterated that the Taiwan question is an internal Chinese matter.

Guo urged the US to abandon the idea of using Taiwan to contain China, adhere to the one-China principle, and honor its commitments on Taiwan-related issues. He also stated that Japan should act prudently on the Taiwan question and avoid sending the wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.

to persuade and pressure Japan into serving as America's strategic tool. The trip also signaled that the US still considers the Asia-Pacific region its strategic focus and views China as a primary adversary.

The expert also noted that the US approach may not be fully successful. The US is pressuring its allies to serve its strategic interests, using a "carrots and sticks" approach to bind Japan and other allies. Hegseth's visit followed the 11th China-Japan-South Korea Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue, which resulted in agreements to deepen economic collaboration. The expert said that Japan is facing a dilemma in balancing its relationships with China and the US, and is reluctant to antagonize Beijing, especially given the economic impact of US tariffs.