Japan rejects ‘new militarism’, says China is rapidly arming | News
Defence Minister Koizumi Criticizes China’s Military Transparency Amid Rising Tensions
Published May 31, 2026
SINGAPORE — Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has refuted allegations of Japan pursuing “new militarism” while accusing China of expanding its military capabilities with insufficient transparency. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, Koizumi highlighted the ongoing increase in China’s defense spending and stressed the importance of open dialogue for regional stability.
“China’s military activities pose serious concerns for both Japan and the international community,” Koizumi stated, underscoring the disparity between Japan’s military posture and China’s substantial nuclear arsenal and strategic bomber capabilities. “Think about it. There’s a country that possesses a vast array of nuclear weapons. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labelled ‘new militarism’?” he added.
Koizumi pointed to Japan’s post-World War II adherence to international law and its commitment to the United Nations Charter as evidence of its peaceful intentions. In a prior statement, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Asia-Pacific nations to remain vigilant against what it described as Japan’s “neo-militarism.”
At the same forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing questioned Japan’s qualifications to discuss defense collaboration, referencing historical grievances from World War II. “I deeply doubt whether a country that has not thoroughly eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism is qualified to talk extensively about defense cooperation,” Meng said.
Tensions between Japan and China have escalated significantly, particularly following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s warning in November of a potential military response to a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which China claims as its territory.
Despite the existing tensions, Koizumi expressed a desire for greater transparency through “discussion and dialogue,” lamenting China’s absence of a defense minister at the conference. He reiterated Japan’s openness to engagement, stating, “We keep the door open” for diplomatic discussions with China and other regional players.
In response to the changing security landscape, Japan is redefining its defense policies. Last month, Takaichi’s administration lifted a long-standing ban on lethal weapons exports, marking a significant shift in its post-war pacifist stance.
In a separate address on Sunday, Koizumi commended U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his commitment to the Asia-Pacific but emphasized the need for strong international coalitions. “Division weakens deterrence. Unity strengthens deterrence,” Koizumi remarked, calling for enhanced cooperation among the United States, Europe, and allied nations to counteract potential threats.
Hegseth’s commentary at the dialogue followed a trend of criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding NATO allies’ defense spending, indicating ongoing concerns about resource allocation among Western partners.
