“Cooperation between nations… should not target or harm the interests of third parties, let alone serve as a pretext for forming exclusive cliques or stoking confrontation,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reportedly told a news conference.
The deepening India-Japan partnership has drawn particular attention as both countries seek more resilient critical mineral and technology supply chains amid growing geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
The remarks came after India and Japan announced a major expansion of defence, technology and economic security cooperation at their 16th annual summit in New Delhi. The two countries agreed on their first-ever defence co-development project, involving a naval communications system, and adopted a joint roadmap on economic security.
New Delhi and Tokyo also unveiled cooperation in artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals and next-generation mobility, while pledging to strengthen supply chain resilience in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and advanced materials.
The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Beijing’s warning also comes against the backdrop of strained China-Japan relations. Tensions escalated after Takaichi said last year that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose an “existential threat” to Japan and potentially justify a military response. China subsequently imposed restrictions on dual-use exports to Japan, including materials linked to rare earths and defence technologies.