By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Japan has firmly rejected accusations from China that it is embracing a new era of militarism, with Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arguing that Tokyo’s actions are aimed at preserving regional stability rather than reviving the aggressive policies of its wartime past.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Sunday, Koizumi defended Japan’s expanding defense posture while criticizing China’s rapidly growing military capabilities and lack of transparency.
The exchange highlighted the increasingly strained relationship between Asia’s two largest powers, whose rivalry has intensified amid disputes over Taiwan, military modernization, and competing visions for security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Addressing delegates at the annual defense summit, Koizumi expressed concern over China’s continued military buildup, noting that Beijing has consistently increased defense spending while expanding its military activities across the region. He argued that China’s growing military reach has become a matter of concern not only for Japan but also for many countries in the international community.
Responding directly to accusations that Japan is pursuing “new militarism,” Koizumi questioned the logic behind such claims. He pointed out that Japan possesses neither nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers, unlike some major military powers, yet continues to face criticism regarding its defense policies. According to Koizumi, Japan’s post-World War II record demonstrates its commitment to peace, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
He emphasized that for more than eight decades, Japan has pursued a path centered on diplomacy, economic development, and international cooperation. Tokyo, he said, remains committed to maintaining a free and open international order while strengthening its ability to deter potential threats.
China has repeatedly criticized Japan’s recent defense reforms. Earlier this year, Beijing urged countries across the Asia-Pacific region to remain vigilant against what it described as Japan’s “neo-militarism.” Chinese officials have argued that Tokyo’s expanding military role raises concerns given its wartime history in Asia.
At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing echoed those criticisms. He questioned whether Japan had fully confronted the legacy of its militaristic past and suggested that this history could make it difficult for Tokyo to gain the trust of neighboring countries that suffered under Japanese occupation during the Second World War.
The sharp exchange comes at a time when relations between Japan and China have deteriorated significantly. Bilateral ties reached some of their lowest levels in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated in late 2025 that a Chinese military attack on Taiwan could potentially trigger a Japanese response.
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive issues in East Asia. Beijing considers the self-governed island part of its territory and has repeatedly vowed to bring it under its control if necessary. Taiwan’s government rejects those claims and insists that the island’s future should be decided by its own people.
Despite the growing tensions, Koizumi insisted that Japan remains open to dialogue with China. He expressed disappointment that he was unable to meet directly with his Chinese counterpart during the conference but stressed that communication channels should remain open. According to the Japanese defense chief, continued engagement is essential for preventing misunderstandings and maintaining regional stability.
China’s absence from high-level discussions at the Shangri-La Dialogue has also attracted attention. For the second consecutive year, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun did not attend the gathering, missing opportunities for direct exchanges with defense leaders from across Asia, Europe, and North America.
At the same time, Japan is taking significant steps to strengthen its defense capabilities and deepen security cooperation with regional partners. Koizumi said Tokyo is determined to play a larger role in defense equipment cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific and seeks to build stronger deterrence against coercion and threats to regional security.
His remarks follow Japan’s recent decision to implement the most sweeping changes to its defense export policies in decades. Earlier this year, the government removed longstanding restrictions on overseas weapons sales, paving the way for exports of military equipment including warships, missiles, and advanced defense systems. The move reflects Tokyo’s broader effort to contribute more actively to regional security while working alongside allies and partners.
As strategic competition between China and Japan continues to intensify, the debate over military modernization, deterrence, and regional influence is likely to remain a defining feature of Asian geopolitics.
While both countries publicly support dialogue, their increasingly divergent security priorities suggest that tensions will continue to shape the Indo-Pacific landscape in the years ahead.
Source Reuters