Japan Rejects Claims of 'New Militarism,' Accuses China of Rapid Arms Buildup

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected accusations that Tokyo is pursuing “new militarism” and criticized China for its rapid military expansion and limited transparency.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 29, Koizumi said China continues to raise defense spending at a high rate. “China’s foreign policy and military activities are a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community,” he said. “Think about it. There is a nation with a massive nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers. Japan has none of those weapons, yet it is labeled as ‘new militarism’?”

Koizumi emphasized that Japan’s record since World War II “speaks for itself,” citing its adherence to international law and commitment to the UN Charter, as well as its efforts to maintain a “free and open international order.”

Earlier in May, China’s foreign ministry called on Asia-Pacific countries to be vigilant and “jointly counter the reckless actions of Japan’s new militarism.” At the Singapore forum, Chinese Major General Meng Xiangqing criticized Japan: “I seriously doubt whether a country that has not completely eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism is qualified to talk so much about defense cooperation at international forums, and whether it can win the trust of the international community, especially the Asian countries it once invaded.”

Japan-China relations have sunk to their worst in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned last November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt Japan to respond militarily. China regards Taiwan as its territory, despite objections from the island’s government.

Koizumi argued that transparency comes from “discussion and dialogue” and expressed regret that China did not send its defense minister to the conference, but affirmed that Japan remains open to dialogue. “Our door is always open,” he said, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to dialogue with China and regional partners to promote stability.

Amid China’s rapid military expansion and modernization, Japan is also reshaping its defense policy. Last month, Prime Minister Takaichi’s cabinet lifted a ban on exports of lethal weapons, a major shift in postwar pacifist policy.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Koizumi also praised U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, but stressed the need for strong alliances globally. “Division weakens deterrence. Unity strengthens deterrence,” he said. “If a gap emerges between the U.S., Europe and allies and like-minded countries, forces that see it as an opportunity will certainly emerge.”