China, Japan clash at Shangri-La Dialogue over militarism and nuclear arms

Tensions flared between China and Japan at the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore, with delegates exchanging sharp criticisms over military expansion and historical grievances. Meng Xiangqing, head of the Chinese delegation and a People's Liberation Army major general, accused Japan of harboring remnants of militarism and questioned its qualifications to discuss defense cooperation on the international stage.

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Is it not strange that a country possessing a large amount of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers calls a country that does not possess these things that?

Meng specifically pointed to Japan's ongoing discussions about potentially revising its post-war pacifist constitution and its "three noes" nuclear policy. He invoked the 80th anniversary of Japan's post-World War II trials, suggesting that some factions continue to glorify war crimes and promote a distorted view of history. China has previously criticized Japan's moves toward military expansion, labeling it "new militarism."

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The Japanese delegation's claims that Japan is a 'new militarist state' are not true.

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjirō responded directly to the accusations, refuting claims of "new militarism." He questioned the validity of China's criticism, given its own substantial nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers. "Isn't it strange that a country possessing a large amount of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers calls a country that does not possess these things that?" Koizumi stated, without explicitly naming China.

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There are still forces that openly glorify war crimes and propagate a wrong view of history regarding World War II.

Koizumi asserted that Japan's path as a peaceful nation would not be swayed by false accusations. He also expressed regret that a meeting between him and his Chinese counterpart, Dong Jun, did not materialize, emphasizing the importance of dialogue amidst differing views. The exchange underscores the deep-seated distrust and ongoing diplomatic friction between the two Asian powers, particularly concerning regional security and historical interpretations.

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Does a country that has not thoroughly purged the remnants of militarism have the right to loudly discuss defense cooperation on the international stage?