New Delhi: Japan on Sunday pushed back against Chinese criticism of its defence policies, with Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi arguing that Tokyo’s military posture remains rooted in its post-war commitment to peace despite growing regional security challenges.
Addressing delegates at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi rejected accusations that Japan is pursuing a path of “new militarism”, saying the country’s actions over the decades since World War II demonstrate its commitment to maintaining peace and stability.
The remarks came amid increasing tensions between Asia’s two largest economies over defence and security issues, according to independent.co.uk.
Koizumi expressed concern over China’s military expansion and activities, saying Beijing’s growing capabilities and strategic posture continue to raise questions for Japan and the wider international community.
Without directly naming China, the Japanese minister contrasted Tokyo’s military capabilities with those of countries possessing nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, arguing that claims portraying Japan as militaristic do not reflect reality.
China has repeatedly criticised Japan’s rising defence expenditure and security reforms. Earlier this month, Beijing called on countries in the Asia-Pacific region to oppose what it described as Japanese “neo-militarism”. Chinese defence officials have also voiced concern over Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen its military capabilities, loosen restrictions on weapons exports, and discuss changes to its post-war pacifist framework.
The exchange highlights the widening strategic divide between the two neighbours as security concerns grow across the Indo-Pacific region.
The annual Shangri-La Dialogue, organised in Singapore by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, brings together defence ministers, military officials, and policymakers from dozens of countries to discuss regional and global security challenges.
Relations between Beijing and Tokyo have faced additional strain in recent months. The issue gained prominence after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a direct threat to Japan’s security and potentially warrant a military response under certain circumstances.
