Japan has released its 2025 Defence White Paper, outlining the growing threats from a more unified group of authoritarian countries, mainly China, Russia, and North Korea, as reported by the Eurasian Times.

The document, approved by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government, says that the security environment in the region is quickly worsening due to stronger military cooperation between these nations. It clearly names China as the "biggest strategic threat" to Japan. The paper adds that China’s expanding military activities, aggressive moves in nearby waters, and deeper ties with other authoritarian regimes could "gravely affect" Japan’s national security.

The white paper also examines CRINK, a loosely connected group of nations that some experts call the "Axis of Upheaval." Although it is not a formal alliance, their growing military, diplomatic, and economic cooperation is seen as a serious challenge to the rules-based international order, according to the Eurasian Times.

Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani voiced his serious concern, saying, "The international order is being very strongly challenged, and Japan is facing the most difficult and complex security situation in the post-war era." The white paper marks Japan’s strongest statement so far on China’s military rise, warning that Beijing’s actions now pose a "serious impact" on national security.

The paper highlights the first confirmed entry of a Chinese military aircraft into Japan’s airspace and growing naval pressure in the surrounding seas. It says that China’s defence ambitions are an "unprecedented and greatest strategic challenge" for Japan and the wider international community. The report also refers to China’s increasing activity near Japan, including the August 2024 airspace violation and the passage of a Chinese carrier group between two southern Japanese islands near Taiwan in September, as noted by the Eurasian Times.

It also raises concerns about China’s stepped-up military exercises near Taiwan, suggesting these could be preparations for possible unification moves, such as an invasion. Japan warns that if a future conflict over Taiwan were to occur, the China Coast Guard might lead a blockade operation that would heighten tensions without officially starting a war.

Lastly, the white paper states that the deepening military ties between China and Russia represent a serious and developing threat to regional peace. This growing relationship is seen as a direct danger to Japan’s security and the overall power balance in the Indo-Pacific, the Eurasian Times reported.