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China's New Enemy? Why Beijing Is Targeting Japan I South China Fight Escalates

| Jul 15, 2026, 10:37:39 AM | TOI.in
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China's confrontation with Japan has entered a new phase. A decade after the landmark South China Sea arbitration ruling, Beijing is once again rejecting international law while accusing Tokyo of provoking regional instability. Japan, backed by 14 nations, says the tribunal's verdict remains legally binding. China disagrees and has launched fresh military drills while warning of firm countermeasures. The timing is significant, coming amid deeper India-Japan defence cooperation, Quad coordination and rising Indo-Pacific tensions. Is this only a diplomatic war of words, or the beginning of a broader strategic contest? Why is China suddenly calling Japan a bigger challenge than the United States? And what does this growing rivalry mean for India, maritime trade and regional security? Here's a detailed breakdown of one of the Indo-Pacific's most consequential geopolitical flashpoints.

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