'Toxic Legacy Of...': Japan Denies 'New Militarism' Charge, Criticises China's 'Huge Arsenal'

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 16:42 IST

Japan defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejects new militarism claims, warns of Chinas military buildup, defends Japans record, backs arms export overhaul and regional deterrence

Japan’s defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday dismissed accusations that Tokyo was pursuing “new militarism" and instead raised concerns over China’s rapidly growing military capabilities and lack of transparency.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi said China continues to increase its defence spending significantly and that its military activities remain a matter of serious concern for Japan and the wider international community.

Rejecting criticism of Japan’s defence policies, Koizumi pointed to China’s military strength, saying Beijing possesses a large arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, while Japan has neither.

“There’s 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 said.

Koizumi said Japan’s record since World War Two “speaks ​for itself", citing its adherence to international law and commitment to the United Nations Charter, alongside efforts to uphold ​a “free and open international order."

In May, China’s foreign ministry called on Asia-Pacific countries to be vigilant and “jointly resist the reckless actions of Japan’s neo-militarism".

At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing also criticised Japan.

“I deeply doubt whether a country that has ​not thoroughly eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism is qualified to talk extensively about defence cooperation on international occasions, ​and whether it can win the trust of the international community, especially the Asian countries it once invaded," he said.

Ties between ‌Japan ⁠and China sank to their worst level in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a Japanese military response.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory, over the objections of Taipei’s government.

Koizumi said he was “sad" he could not meet his Chinese counterpart at the dialogue, Asia’s premier defence forum, ​but insisted Japan remains open ​to engagement. “We keep the ⁠door open," he said, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to dialogue with China and other regional players to foster stability.

For the second year running, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has ​given the free-wheeling Singapore security meeting a miss, skipping opportunities to meet his counterparts.

Koizumi ​said Japan is “determined" ⁠to play a new role in defence equipment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and aims to tangibly strengthen deterrence in the region.

“We seek a region that can stand against coercion. We seek a region that is not misled by falsehoods. ⁠We seek ​a region that is not influenced by pressure," he said.

In April, ​Tokyo unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, ​missiles and other weapons.

News world 'Toxic Legacy Of...': Japan Denies 'New Militarism' Charge, Criticises China's 'Huge Arsenal'

Read More