Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected accusations that Tokyo is pursuing “new militarism” and instead accused China of rapidly expanding its military capabilities without sufficient transparency, as tensions between the two Asian powers continued to dominate discussions at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.
Speaking on Sunday, Koizumi said China’s growing defence spending and military activities were matters of “serious concern” for both Japan and the wider international community.
He argued that criticism of Japan’s defence policies was misplaced, pointing to the country’s post-World War II record of adherence to international law and commitment to the United Nations Charter.
Koizumi pushed back against repeated claims from Beijing that Japan is re-embracing militarism, describing such allegations as unfounded.
He contrasted Japan’s military posture with China’s capabilities, noting that Japan does not possess nuclear weapons or strategic bombers.
His remarks came after Chinese officials renewed criticism of Japan’s military buildup, with Beijing warning regional countries to remain vigilant against what it described as Japanese “neo-militarism.”
At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing questioned whether Japan had sufficiently addressed the legacy of its wartime militarism and whether it could gain the trust of countries it once invaded.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months, particularly after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested last year that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
Despite the sharp exchange, Koizumi stressed that Japan remains committed to engagement and communication with China.
He said transparency is best achieved through discussion and dialogue and expressed regret that China did not send its defence minister to the conference.
Koizumi reiterated that Japan’s “door is always open” to communication aimed at maintaining regional stability.
The defence minister also defended Japan’s ongoing military reforms, saying it was natural for countries to adapt their defence capabilities to emerging security challenges.
Japan has increased defence spending for 12 consecutive years and recently relaxed restrictions on lethal weapons exports as part of broader efforts to strengthen its defence posture.
Koizumi additionally called for stronger cooperation among the United States, Europe and allied nations, warning that divisions among partners could weaken deterrence and create opportunities for instability.