In the 2026 version of the Diplomatic Bluebook, released on the 10th, the Japanese government stated that “Dokdo is part of Japanese territory.” The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues this publication, which outlines recent global events and Japan’s diplomatic efforts, annually in April. This marks the ninth consecutive year since 2018 that the same assertion has been made. Nevertheless, this year’s edition placed greater emphasis on the significance of Japan-South Korea relations, while reducing its description of China from “the most important” to “important.”
In the blue book, the Japanese government stated, “Dokdo is naturally Japanese territory, both historically and according to international law,” and argued, “South Korea persists in its unlawful occupation with no foundation in international law, such as by deploying security forces.” Nevertheless, it kept last year’s portrayal of South Korea as “an important neighboring country that should collaborate as a partner,” noting, “The significance of Japan-South Korea relations has increased greatly.” It also mentioned, “Japan will strive to advance Japan-South Korea relations in a forward-looking and stable way” and “maintain close cooperation with South Korea and the U.S. on matters including responses to North Korea.”
Concerning China, the blue book referred to it as “an important neighboring country,” a reduction from last year’s description of “the most important bilateral relationship.” This change indicates the deteriorating relations since November, when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed military involvement in case of a Taiwan-related crisis. The blue book stated, “Since November, China has increased unilateral criticism and coercive actions against Japan,” including measures like travel restrictions to Japan and radar targeting of Japanese fighter jets. It also highlighted a social media post by Chinese Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, threatening to “cut the head” of Prime Minister Takaichi, along with export restrictions on dual-use materials affecting Japan, and noted that Japan had raised objections to these actions.
The blue book expressed serious concern over “China’s attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in the East and South China Seas, heightened tensions surrounding the Taiwan Strait, North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile development, and military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.” It emphasized, “The importance of further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance is growing,” and stressed the need to enhance cooperation with the Group of Seven (G7), Australia, India, South Korea, Southeast Asian countries, and Pacific island nations.
Concerning the Middle East, it was stated that it would not accept Iran’s progress in developing nuclear weapons. With regard to the broader global situation, it noted, “The relatively stable period once known as the ‘post-Cold War era’ has already concluded.”
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