The Japanese government called out China as posing "an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" for Tokyo and its allies, using a notably sharper language than usual in its latest defense white paper.

The annual document focuses on the current threats Japan is facing and the country's defense efforts. According to the 2025 paper, Beijing is expanding the areas in which it operates and becoming increasingly assertive.

"International society is in a new crisis era and faces the biggest challenges since the end of World War II," Japanese officials said in the report issued this week, adding that China's "intensified military activities" are likely to continue and could "seriously impact Japan's security, which is a cause of grave concern."

The document also highlighted the growing offensive capabilities of North Korea and its deepening security and economic alliance with Russia.

"Russia has also been observed engaging in joint activities with China involving aircraft and vessels," according to Defense Minister Gen Nakatani.

Analysts say the wording of this year's white paper reflects a string........

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