Singapore: Japan has strongly pushed back against China’s allegations of “new militarism”, with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi questioning Beijing’s criticism and highlighting China’s growing military and nuclear capabilities.
Speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Koizumi defended Japan’s security policies and said it was unfair to label Tokyo as militaristic when China possesses a vast nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers. His remarks came amid escalating diplomatic and security tensions between the two Asian powers.
Addressing concerns raised by Chinese officials, Koizumi said, “Think about it. There is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labelled new militarism.” He argued that Japan’s post World War Two record demonstrates its commitment to peace, international law and the United Nations Charter.
The latest exchange follows repeated criticism from China over Japan’s expanding defence posture. In recent months, Beijing has accused Tokyo of reviving militaristic tendencies and urged countries in the Asia Pacific region to remain vigilant. Chinese military officials have also questioned whether Japan has fully distanced itself from its wartime legacy.
Tensions between the two countries have intensified since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could potentially affect Japan’s security interests. China views Taiwan as its territory, while Japan has increasingly expressed concern over regional stability and maritime security in the Indo Pacific.
Japan has simultaneously accelerated its defence modernisation efforts. The government has increased military spending, relaxed some restrictions on defence exports and expanded cooperation with partners in the Quad and other regional security frameworks. Tokyo says these measures are aimed at strengthening deterrence and maintaining stability in the region.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Koizumi stressed that Japan remains open to dialogue with China. He expressed disappointment over not being able to hold discussions with his Chinese counterpart during the Singapore forum but reiterated that Tokyo’s doors remain open for engagement.
The latest war of words reflects the deepening strategic rivalry in East Asia, where concerns over Taiwan, military expansion and regional influence continue to shape relations between the region’s two major powers. As both countries strengthen their security positions, diplomatic engagement is likely to remain crucial for maintaining stability in the Indo Pacific.