16 December 2025 | Berlin, Germany
The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses deep concern over the growing diplomatic rift between Japan and China, which has escalated in recent weeks with joint Chinese and Russian drills with strategic bombers and fighters and more recently US nuclear-capable bombers accompanying Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan. Japan and China have accused one another of aggressive militaristic behavior including targeting the other with radars.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November remarks concerning a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan constituting a “crisis situation threatening Japan’s existence,” suggesting the possibility of Japan using military force, are dangerous and provocative. Chinese military activities near Okinawa have also contributed to the growing distrust and confrontation. We must not forget that the imperial Japanese occupation of China is still recent in Chinese political memory. The growing tensions are just the latest in a region where aggressive military rhetoric and confrontation have long been on the rise and which risk accidental or purposeful military confrontation, including between nuclear-armed US and China as well as their allies.
The IPB therefore calls for Japan and China to prioritize de-escalation, diplomacy, and dialogue, based in Common Security, as a path to reduce tensions and build trust. We urge both sides to commit to political and diplomatic discussion as the basis for resolution. IPB further calls on other states in the region and allies beyond the region to support dialogue and reject militarized responses. All states must commit to halting military drills and reducing tensions in the Taiwan Strait in order to avoid any potential war. In the process, a restoration of economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations must be a priority.