Japan Rejects 'New Militarism,’ Accuses China of Rapidly Arming

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday firmly rejected claims that Tokyo is embracing "new militarism." Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi criticized China for its rapid and non-transparent military buildup, stating that Beijing's external approach and military activities are a significant concern for Japan and the international community.

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China's external approach and military activities are matters of serious concern for Japan and the international community at the same time.

Koizumi challenged the "new militarism" label by pointing to Japan's lack of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, contrasting this with nations possessing vast arsenals. He asserted that Japan's post-World War II record, including its commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and a "free and open international order," speaks for itself.

These remarks come amid heightened tensions between Japan and China. In May, China's foreign ministry urged Asia-Pacific countries to resist Japan's "reckless actions of neo-militarism." At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing questioned Japan's qualifications to discuss defense cooperation, citing the "toxic legacy of militarism."

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Think about it. 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'?

Relations between the two Asian powers have been strained, reaching a low point after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested a potential Japanese military response to a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan. China considers Taiwan its own territory. Koizumi expressed regret over not meeting his Chinese counterpart at the dialogue but reaffirmed Japan's openness to engagement and dialogue to foster regional stability.

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

Japan has recently overhauled its defense export rules, easing restrictions on overseas arms sales. Koizumi stated Japan's determination to play a new role in defense equipment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, aiming to strengthen regional deterrence. "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 declared.

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We keep the door open.