Japan Rejects China's Militarism Accusations

Japan's defense minister has firmly rejected Chinese accusations of "new militarism", turning the criticism back on Beijing over its military expansion. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Shinjiro Koizumi described China's stance as hypocritical, noting that Japan possesses neither a nuclear arsenal nor strategic bombers while China continues to expand its military capabilities on a massive and opaque scale.

"China's external approach and military activities are matters of serious concern for Japan and the international community at the same time", Koizumi said, adding that Tokyo has consistently upheld international law since the end of the Second World War and has been working to preserve a free and open international order.

The remarks came amid rising bilateral tensions following Japan's decision to ease restrictions on arms exports and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion that a military response could be considered in the event of an attack on Taiwan.

Although Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun did not attend the forum, Koizumi said the door to dialogue remains open. He added that Japan intends to strengthen its regional role and contribute to deterrence in the Asia-Pacific through new legislation covering arms exports, including ships and missiles.

(reuters, est)