Japan Rejects 'New Militarism' Accusations

Japan Rejects 'New Militarism' Accusations

Singapore, May 31 – Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday refuted accusations of "new militarism" by Tokyo while criticizing China for its rapid and opaque military expansion, signaling escalating tensions between the two nations. Koizumi, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, highlighted China's sustained high defense spending and its external approach as serious concerns for Japan and the international community.

Koizumi directly addressed allegations of Japan's "new militarism," stating that Japan possesses neither nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers, unlike a country with a large arsenal of such capabilities. He emphasized Japan's consistent adherence to international law and its efforts to maintain a free and open international order since the end of World War Two. This statement followed China's foreign ministry urging Asia-Pacific countries in May to resist Japan's "neo-militarism."

Bilateral relations have deteriorated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's November statement regarding a potential Japanese military response to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan. Koizumi expressed regret over the absence of his Chinese counterpart at the defense forum but affirmed Japan's commitment to dialogue for regional peace and stability. Japan also announced its determination to enhance deterrence in the Asia-Pacific by playing a new role in defense equipment cooperation, including a recent overhaul of its defense export rules in April to allow overseas sales of warships, missiles, and other weaponry.