Latest Stockholm International Peace Research Institute News & Updates

Tokyo, April 10 (IANS) Japan has downgraded its description of China in its 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook released on Friday, showcasing strained ties between two nations triggered by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks in November, local media reported. In the annual report submitted by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi at a Cabinet meeting, China is referred to as an “important neighbouring country” instead of “one of the most important bilateral relations” in the 2025 editio…

Tokyo, Feb 27 (IANS) Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has hit back at China’s criticism of Tokyo trying to reinforce its defence capabilities, local media reported on Friday. On being asked about the Japanese government’s push to eliminate the limitation of defence equipment transfers to five noncombat purposes — rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping, he said, “China appears to have been waging a propaganda campaign against us, as if Japan is becoming militaristic,…