Japan Rejects China's 'New Militarism' Claims

Japan's defense minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, rejected accusations of 'new militarism' during the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. According to multiple reports, Koizumi criticized China for rapidly increasing its military capabilities without sufficient transparency, underlining deepening tensions between the two nations.

The minister emphasized that Japan has neither nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers, contrasting this with China's extensive arsenal. 'Think about it. There is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers,' Koizumi said, referring to China without naming it directly. He also noted that Japan's pacifist stance since World War II should not be shaken by false claims.

Koizumi's remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tokyo and Beijing over Taiwan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan might intervene militarily if China attempted to seize the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as its territory. This diplomatic spat has been ongoing since then.

China's defense ministry had called on Asia-Pacific countries to resist what it termed 'reckless actions of Japan’s neo-militarism.' However, Koizumi stressed that Japan remains committed to respecting international law and maintaining a free and open international order. He also expressed sadness over not being able to meet his Chinese counterpart at the dialogue for the second year running.

Koizumi announced that Japan is determined to strengthen its defense capabilities with high transparency, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, uncrewed systems, cyber, and space defense. He reiterated that Japan's door remains open to dialog with China and other countries in the region to maintain peace and stability.

At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing criticized Japan, questioning its qualifications for discussing defense cooperation due to its historical militarism. Koizumi praised US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's commitment to the Asia-Pacific but stressed the need for strong global coalitions, warning that division weakens deterrence.

Koizumi also met Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and discussed the possible transfer of retired Abukuma-class destroyer escorts after their service in Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force ends. The two sides agreed to continue discussions on the transfer of a TC-90 training aircraft, marking a significant step in Japan's expanding security role.