Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected claims of new militarism and criticised China for rapidly expanding its military with little transparency during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday.
Koizumi said China’s growing defence spending and external military activities pose “serious concern for Japan and the international community.”
Rebutting accusations of Japanese militarism, Koizumi noted Japan lacks nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. He cited Japan’s adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter as evidence of its peaceful record since World War Two.
China’s foreign ministry previously urged Asia-Pacific countries to resist Japan’s “neo-militarism.” At the forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing questioned Japan’s credibility on defence cooperation and its ability to gain international trust.
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Koizumi expressed regret at not meeting his Chinese counterpart but said Japan remains open to dialogue with China and regional players to promote stability.
He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening deterrence and advancing defence equipment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific.
In April, Japan overhauled its defence export rules, removing restrictions on overseas arms sales and allowing exports of warships, missiles, and other weapons, marking the largest change in decades.
