Archive · 10 Jan 2026
China Tops Japan's Security Concerns in Latest Poll
A recent survey in Japan shows that most people are worried about China's growing military power.
This is a bigger concern than North Korea's missiles.
The survey was done after the Japanese Prime Minister said Japan might send its military if China attacks Taiwan.
China is upset about these comments and has warned Japan.
Many people in Japan support their military, and the country is planning to spend more money on defence.
China says Japan is causing problems in the region and warns of a strong response if Japan gets involved in Taiwan.
68% of Japanese respondents see Chinese military advances as their top security worry, up from 61% three years ago.
Support for Japan's Self-Defense Forces is at an all-time high, with 94% favorable opinion.
Japan is doubling its defence spending to 2% of GDP to deter Chinese territorial ambitions.
China has demanded Japan retract remarks about Taiwan and threatened export restrictions and military drills near Japan.
Beijing warns of a 'crushing' defeat if Japan intervenes over Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
- Who
- Japanese public, Chinese government, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
- What
- Survey on Japan's security concerns, diplomatic dispute with China
- When
- Survey conducted from November 6 to December 10, released January 9
- Where
- Japan, South China Sea, Taiwan
- Why
- Increasing Chinese military activities and technology advances, Japan's defence plans
- Survey Period
- November 6 to December 10
- Number of Respondents
- 1,534
- Top Security Concern
- Chinese military advances and activities
- Support for Self-Defense Forces
- 94% favorable opinion
- Japan's Defence Spending
- Doubling to 2% of GDP
- China's Response
- Demanded retraction, warned citizens, threatened export restrictions
- Beijing's Warning
- Crushing defeat if Japan intervenes over Taiwan
