The Ally Who Gifted Billions To India Just Gave China A Sleepless Night

New Delhi: The country that once gifted India a multi-billion-dollar lifeline has just rattled Asia's biggest military power. Japan, India's closest strategic ally in the East, has jolted China wide awake with a powerful signal from Mount Fuji. Not words. Not warnings. But missiles.
In a stunning display of military precision, Japan test-fired long-range anti-ship and hypersonic missiles during a live-fire drill near Mount Fuji. The event, part of an annual military exercise, was meant to signal readiness. But the fallout went far beyond Japanese borders.
By June 11 morning, the Chinese military's official newspaper, PLA Daily, had fired its own salvo, this time in words. It accused Japan of abandoning its pacifist past and dangerously redrawing the region's balance of power. The report warned that the extended range of these new Japanese missiles could 'threaten surrounding regions' and questioned whether Tokyo had just violated its own post-WWII constitution.
The Chinese fear runs deeper. The newspaper did not mince words and called Japan's move a 'strategic threat'. It alleged Tokyo is secretly preparing for a first-strike capability. The article even suggested that Japan intentionally avoided sensitive zones like Okinawa during the test to escape global scrutiny.
Drafted under U.S. guidance after its WWII defeat, Japan's constitution forbids it from maintaining aggressive military capabilities. But recent years have seen Tokyo steadily expand its defense preparedness. China says the missile tests are proof that Japan is shifting from defense to offense and dragging Asia into a new arms race.
What exactly did Japan fire?
According to the Japanese media, the military tested upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles and the futuristic Hypersonic Velocity Gliding Projectiles (HVGPs). The weapons are not for show. The Type-12s are headed for Japan's southern Kyushu Island within range of China.
Meanwhile, the HVGPs are likely to be stationed in the north, in Hokkaido, potentially aimed at another rising threat that is Russia.
For India, this is more than just geopolitics. Japan has long been one of New Delhi's most reliable friends. From low-interest infrastructure loans to crucial technology partnerships, Japan has supported India's rise with both trust and capital. The iconic Bullet Train project in India, for instance, is being built on a 50-year loan of Rs 88,000 crore at just 1% interest – with repayments starting only after 15 years.
But now, that same 'generous friend' is sharpening its own claws.
Tokyo's move comes amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, where China's muscle-flexing has alarmed most of its neighbors. With Japan now flexing back, and India already locked in its own standoff with China – a new axis of resistance is forming.
Missiles may have flown over Mount Fuji. But the real tremors were felt in Beijing.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

34 minutes ago

• Time of India

Marco Rubio warns Iran against closing Strait of Hormuz, calls it ‘economic suicide'; urges China to intervene\

US Secretary of State on Sunday cautioned Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, calling it 'economic suicide,' and urged China to use its influence to dissuade Tehran amid rising tensions in the region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now His remarks followed reports that Iran's parliament had approved a proposal to shut the vital waterway. 'If Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, it will be another terrible mistake. It's economic suicide for them if they do it and we retain options to deal with that,' Rubio said on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo. He added, 'I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil.' The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, with around 20% of global oil and gas supplies flowing through it. Its closure, Rubio warned, would be a 'massive escalation' and 'would hurt other countries' economies a lot worse than ours.' Iran's Press TV reported earlier that while the parliament has passed the measure, the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council. Revolutionary Guards commander and lawmaker Esmail Kosari said, 'The closure of the strait is on the agenda and will be done whenever necessary.' The proposal comes amid heightened hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the US, with Washington recently launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Energy analysts warn that any disruption in the strait could trigger a sharp rise in global oil prices and worsen geopolitical instability. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In a related comment on Iran's nuclear programme, Rubio said the US is still open to negotiations. 'The Iranian regime should wake up and say 'OK, if we really want nuclear energy in our country, there's a way to do it.' That offer's still there, we're prepared to talk to them tomorrow,' he said. Rubio reiterated that the US is willing to support Iran's civilian nuclear power ambitions, provided it does not enrich its own fuel. 'Ultimately, they have to make a decision... there are many countries that have nuclear reactors without enriching uranium,' he said.

NDTV

2 hours ago

• NDTV

Arab States Condemn US Strikes On Iran, Warn Of Regional Escalation

Arab countries on Sunday strongly condemned the US air strikes on nuclear facilities in Iran, warning of serious repercussions and calling for a return to diplomacy. Iran's former arch-rival in the region, Saudi Arabia, which has been engaged in a Chinese-brokered detente with Tehran since 2023, expressed "great concern" over the attacks. Gulf countries have been engaged in a diplomatic frenzy for solutions since Israel launched its air campaign on their neighbour Iran on June 13. Many of the oil-rich countries host major US assets and bases and fear that a spillover from the war could threaten their security and economy. Qatar, host of the biggest US military base in the Middle East, said it feared "catastrophic consequences" for the region and the entire world. Yemen's Huthi rebels repeated threats to target US vessels and warships in the Red Sea after the overnight strikes, describing them as a "war declaration" on the Iranian people. On Saturday, the Iran-backed group threatened to resume attacks on US vessels and warships in the Red Sea despite a recent Oman-mediated truce, should Washington strike Iran. US President Donald Trump said the attacks destroyed Iran's main nuclear sites, describing them as a "spectacular military success". But his allies in the Gulf, who neighbour Iran, were urging a return to diplomacy. Oman, which was mediating nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, strongly condemned the US strikes labelling them illegal and calling for immediate deescalation. The United Arab Emirates expressed concern after the attack, calling for "an immediate end to the escalation". Bahrain, home to a major US naval base, told most of its government employees to work from home until further notice following the escalation. The US Navy's Fifth Fleet, which covers the region, is based in Bahrain. Kuwait said its finance ministry had activated an emergency plan that includes readying shelters. The Palestinian group Hamas condemned what it called "blatant US aggression" against Iran. Iraq, which also hosts US bases, expressed "deep concern and strong condemnation" of the attacks, government spokesperson Basim Alawadi said, labelling them "a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East". Fears are growing in Iraq over a possible intervention by Iran-backed armed factions, who have threatened Washington's interests in the region if it were to join Israel in its war against Iran. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, largely seen as close to the United States, urged both sides to resume talks to restore stability in the region. The country has been reeling from a destructive conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group over the Gaza war, which ended with a fragile truce last November despite frequent Israeli attacks on the group. Egypt also condemned the escalation in Iran, warning of "dangerous repercussions" for the region and calling for diplomacy.

The Print

3 hours ago

• The Print

US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites draw Israel's praise, China calls it ‘repeat of Iraq mistake'

'Each and every member of the UN must be alarmed over this extremely dangerous, lawless and criminal behavior… Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people.' Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of committing a 'grave violation of international law'. 'This morning's attacks are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences,' Araghchi said in a statement posted on X. New Delhi: The US airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, in what President Donald Trump called a 'decisive blow' to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, have drawn praise from Israel, condemnation from Iran's allies, and urgent calls for de-escalation from a host of nations and international bodies. Iran's ally China strongly condemned the strikes, saying that US' actions 'seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East'. A statement by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs read, 'China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and start dialogue and negotiation.' China strongly condemns the U.S. attacks on Iran and bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the U.S. seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, and have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East.… — CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) June 22, 2025 In addition, through commentary published by the state-run CGTN, China raised pointed questions about whether the United States was 'repeating its Iraq mistake in Iran'. It warned that the use of force in the Middle East has historically led to 'prolonged conflicts and regional destabilisation', advocating for diplomacy as the only viable solution. Meanwhile, another Iranian ally Pakistan, which had declared it would officially nominate President Trump for the Nobel, also condemned the attacks. 'We reiterate that these attacks violate all norms of international law and that Iran has the legitimate right to defend itself under the UN Charter,' read Pakistan foreign ministry's statement on X. 🔊PR No.1️⃣8️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ Pakistan Condemns the US Attacks on the Nuclear Facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 🔗⬇️ — Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) June 22, 2025 The Israeli government has, however, hailed the move as a historic turning point in curbing Iran's nuclear programme. In a recorded statement, the country's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, 'Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. History will record that President Trump acted to deny the world's most dangerous regime the world's most dangerous weapons.' In another statement on X, he said: 'Immediately after the operation was completed, President Trump called me. It was a very warm, very moving conversation. He blessed me, he blessed our army and he blessed our people. And I congratulated him, the United States pilots, and the American people. President Trump is a strong leader of the free world. He is a great friend of Israel, a friend like no other.' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Iran's nuclear programme 'a grave threat to international security', and said that 'the US has taken action to alleviate that threat'. 'The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis,' he wrote on X. Similarly, Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney posted: 'Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security, and Canada has been consistently clear that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. While U.S. military action taken last night was designed to alleviate that threat, the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile. Stability in the region is a priority.' Iran's nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security, and Canada has been consistently clear that Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. While U.S. military action taken last night was designed to alleviate that threat, the situation in the… — Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) June 22, 2025 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to express 'deep concern at the recent escalations'. 'Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability,' Modi posted on X. Early Sunday, the US bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, which, Trump said in an address to the nation, had been 'completely and fully' obliterated. The focus of the strike was Fordow—the deeply fortified uranium enrichment centre—which was hit by the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordinance Penetrator (MOP), better known as the bunker buster bomb. However, the US joining Israel in the war with Iran has left several nations and international bodies concerned. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the strikes, calling the act a 'dangerous escalation' and 'direct threat to international peace and security'. In a formal statement, Guterres warned that the conflict risked spiralling 'out of control', stressing that 'there is no military solution', and urging all parties to 'de-escalate immediately' and return to diplomacy. Iraq government spokesperson Basim Alawadi Iraqi said, 'This military escalation constitutes a grave threat to peace and security in the Middle East and poses serious risks to regional stability.' Riyadh has expressed 'great concern' about the developments, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, while Egypt voiced alarm over the 'rapid escalation', warning it threatens both regional and international peace. Its foreign ministry urged respect for national sovereignty, warning of the 'dangers of slipping into further chaos'. Oman denounced the US strikes as 'illegal aggression', calling them a serious breach of international law, and a potential trigger for wider conflict. Muscat reaffirmed Iran's right to peaceful nuclear development under IAEA oversight. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun warned of rising tensions and urged for immediate negotiations to avoid further destruction, emphasising that Lebanon cannot bear another regional conflict. France called for restraint and return to diplomacy under the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, while European Council President Antonio Costa echoed the call for calm and adherence to international law and nuclear safety norms. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters described the situation as 'extremely worrying', and stressed the need to return to negotiations. 'Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action,' Peters said. Australia's government noted the longstanding threat posed by Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, but emphasised that the situation required 'dialogue and diplomacy'. Similarly, Mexico's foreign ministry, in a post on X, reaffirmed its 'pacifist conviction', and called for 'restoration of peaceful coexistence' in the Middle East. Some nations, including Venezuela and Cuba, condemned the strikes outright. Venezuela's foreign minister Yván Gil described the US action as 'military aggression' carried out 'at the request of the State of Israel', while Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned the bombings constituted a 'dangerous escalation', and a serious violation of the UN Charter. In Latin America, Chilean President Gabriel Boric joined the chorus of criticism. 'Having power does not authorise you to use it in violation of the rules that we as humanity have given ourselves,' Boric posted on X. 'Even if you are the United States.' Within the US, President Trump's strikes drew backlash from Democratic lawmakers. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused him of bypassing Congress, and pushing the US into another costly and potentially disastrous war in the Middle East. 'Donald Trump shoulders complete and total responsibility for any adverse consequences that flow from his unilateral military action,' Jeffries said. (Edited by Mannat Chugh Also Read: US enters war with Iran, hitting nuclear facilities as Trump urges peace