Japan looks at new ways of warfighting amid rising tensions

Japan needs to adapt to the new methods of warfare such as drones and artificial intelligence used in Ukraine and the Middle East and strengthen its defense industry, the government said on Tuesday.Japan has begun expanding its military capability and has started fielding long-range cruise missiles as a deterrent against Chinese military activity.The 598-page defense paper adopted by the Cabinet of Japan yesterday underlined that China is Japan’s biggest strategic challenge. Japan is alarmed by the growing presence and frequency of Chinese warships in the Pacific Ocean. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Mogami-class frigate JS Mikuma is seen anchored at the JMSDF naval base in Yokosuka, Japan, on Sept. 5, 2025. Photo: AP The annual white paper outlines Japan’s military activity and priorit