北京加剧了对东京的指控，将其国防努力贴上「日本新军国主义」的标签，以反击 Sanae Takaichi 首相政府。然而，这种叙事在国际上几乎没有得到支持。菲律宾国防部长 Gilberto Teodoro 批评中国「不当利用历史」来掩盖自身行为，并强调区域伙伴现在更少担心日本的过去，而更多担心中国目前的扩张与断然作为。

区域合作展示了日本作为安全伙伴日益增长的角色。日本自卫队参与了美菲军事演习，东京并与印尼签署了国防伙伴关系协定以出口最上级巡防舰。此外，日本承诺提供 100 亿美元的援助，以帮助受荷莫兹海峡关闭影响的国家确保能源安全。民意调查显示，日本是 10 个东南亚国家中最受信任的大国，有近三分之二的受访者相信它对全球和平做出了积极贡献。

尽管存在历史恩怨，在 Lee Jae Myung 总统领导下，日本已与韩国重启了中断 9 年的联合海上搜救演习。虽然 Sanae Takaichi 加速了国防开支，但这一军事建设是建立在前任 Fumio Kishida 和 Shigeru Ishiba 的政策基础之上。如今，国际观察家不再将重整军备的日本视为威胁，而是将其视为制衡中国以及应对美国可靠性变化的重要力量。

Beijing has intensified its accusations against Tokyo, labeling its defense efforts as "Japanese neo-militarism" to counter Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration. However, this narrative finds little support internationally. Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro criticized China's "improper use of history" to obscure its own actions, highlighting that regional partners now worry less about Japan's past and more about China's current assertiveness.

Regional cooperation illustrates Japan's growing role as a security partner. Japanese troops participated in US-Philippines military exercises, and Tokyo signed a defense agreement with Indonesia to export Mogami-class frigates. Additionally, Japan pledged $10 billion to secure energy for countries affected by the Strait of Hormuz closure. Surveys show Japan is the most trusted major power in 10 Southeast Asian nations, with nearly two-thirds believing it contributes positively to global peace.

Despite historical grievances, Japan has revived joint search-and-rescue drills with South Korea under President Lee Jae Myung after a nine-year hiatus. While Sanae Takaichi accelerates defense spending, this buildup builds on policies from predecessors Fumio Kishida and Shigeru Ishiba. Today, international observers view a rearmed Japan not as a threat, but as a crucial counterweight to China and a hedge against US reliability. (Key numbers: 9)