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Japan tests 1,000km missile amid China tensions

·1 min read·2 outlets

The short version

Japan conducted flight tests of an upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile with a reported range of 1,000km. China criticized Japan's defense white paper and missile program, citing concerns over Taiwan and regional security.

Japan began flight testing an air-launched variant of its upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile last week.1 The upgraded Type 12 missile has a reported range of about 1,000 kilometers.1 Photographs taken on July 30 at Gifu airbase in central Japan showed a Mitsubishi F-2B fighter carrying two inert missiles.1

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated the country expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to Japan's 2026 Defense White Paper.2 China accused Japan of targeting China with groundless accusations and rehashing the 'China threat' narrative in the defense white paper.2 China said the white paper contained brazen comments on China's Taiwan region and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs.2

China stated it had lodged serious representations with Japan over the defense white paper.2 Japan's missile program is part of efforts to build long-range strike capability against Chinese warships.1

“China has lodged serious representations with Japan”
Foreign Ministry spokesperson, China2

Why it matters

  • The Type 12 is an anti-ship missile designed to target naval vessels at extended ranges, enhancing Japan's counterstrike capabilities.1

  • Japan's Defense White Paper is an annual report outlining security threats, military posture, and policy directions.2

This account was written from the 2 reports listed below, filed by 2 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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2 source reports

2 outlets · 2 countries · citation numbers match the article

  1. 1

    South China Morning Post · HK

    Japan tests long-range Type 12 missile as counterstrike capability against China grows

    Aug 5, 2026

  2. 2

    CGTN · CN

    China urges Japan to reflect on history, stop military expansion

    Aug 5, 2026

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