Archive · 21 Aug 2026
China’s Expanding Pacific Influence Raises Japan Security Concerns
Some Japanese critics oppose Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s efforts to strengthen Japan’s defence systems.
An article argues that these critics are not paying enough attention to China’s growing role in the Pacific Islands.
China once focused heavily on large infrastructure projects funded by loans.
More recently, it has used smaller grants and many different projects.
These projects bring Chinese representatives into regular contact with schools, hospitals and governments.
Several Pacific countries have also switched diplomatic support from Taiwan to Beijing.
China is becoming involved in police cooperation as well as development and infrastructure.
The article says this growing influence is an important reason to watch security changes in the region.
A Japan Forward article says critics of Sanae Takaichi’s defence policies are overlooking China’s Indo-Pacific influence.
China has shifted Pacific engagement from large, debt-funded infrastructure projects toward smaller grants and more frequent projects.
Beijing’s aid, diplomatic outreach and political incentives have strengthened its position among Pacific governments.
Solomon Islands and Kiribati recognised Beijing instead of Taiwan in 2019, followed by Nauru in 2024.
Chinese police cooperation in the Pacific may have greater long-term significance than a possible conventional military base, the article argues.
- Who
- China, Japan, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Pacific Island governments and Taiwan are central to the discussion.
- What
- China is expanding its political, economic, diplomatic and security engagement across the Pacific Islands.
- When
- The article cites diplomatic changes in 2019 and 2024, and a China-Solomon Islands security agreement from 2022.
- Where
- The developments concern the Indo-Pacific, particularly the Pacific Islands.
- Why
- China is seeking greater regional influence through aid, infrastructure, diplomatic engagement and cooperation with domestic security institutions.
Japanese Critics
Article’s Argument
Japan’s defence expansion
Japanese Critics
A section of Japanese media and the public criticises Sanae Takaichi and her administration for efforts to upgrade Japan’s defence and security systems.
Article’s Argument
The article says critics are overlooking China’s growing influence and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
China’s aid strategy
Japanese Critics
Large Chinese infrastructure projects have drawn attention and concern because they can be costly, slow and politically contentious due to debt obligations.
Article’s Argument
The article says smaller grants may be more effective for building long-term relationships with schools, hospitals, government agencies and communities.
Future security risks
Japanese Critics
Concerns about China’s 2022 security agreement with Solomon Islands have focused on the possibility of a Chinese military presence.
Article’s Argument
The article argues that expanding Chinese police cooperation may ultimately matter more than the question of a conventional military base.
- Earlier Chinese engagement
- Large infrastructure projects were financed through Chinese policy-bank loans.
- Recent aid shift
- China has increasingly moved toward smaller grants and more frequent projects.
- Diplomatic changes in 2019
- Solomon Islands and Kiribati switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.
- Diplomatic change in 2024
- Nauru switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.
- Security agreement
- China and Solomon Islands signed a security agreement in 2022.
- Chinese businesses
- Chinese state-owned enterprises have become significant participants in Pacific infrastructure markets.