Japan firmly dismissed allegations that it is embracing a new form of militarism, standing in contrast to China’s expanding military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stressed that Tokyo does not possess nuclear weapons or strategic bombers, unlike China, which continues to increase defense spending at a rapid pace with limited transparency.
Koizumi highlighted Japan’s post-World War Two commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter as proof of its peaceful stance. He framed Japan’s defense posture as a contribution to maintaining a “free and open international order” rather than a revival of militarism. Meanwhile, China’s defense activities and external approach remain a growing concern for Japan and the broader international community.
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated, particularly following comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting Japan might respond militarily if China attacked Taiwan—a territory China claims despite Taiwanese objections. This heightened tension was further underscored by the absence of China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun from the regional security forum for a second consecutive year, limiting direct dialogue opportunities.
At the same forum, Chinese representatives criticized Japan for failing to fully distance itself from its militarist past and questioned its credibility in promoting defense cooperation. Despite these tensions, Koizumi expressed regret over not meeting his Chinese counterpart but reaffirmed Japan’s willingness to engage in dialogue aimed at regional stability. He emphasized Japan’s determination to expand defense equipment cooperation and strengthen deterrence against coercion in the region.
In line with this strategy, Japan recently implemented its largest reform of defense export rules in decades, removing longstanding restrictions and permitting arms exports including warships and missiles. This policy shift aims to enhance Japan’s role in regional security partnerships and counterbalance China’s rapidly growing military capabilities.