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Japan defends military growth amid China's criticism
Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has dismissed accusations from Beijing that Tokyo is embracing a "new militarism," instead directing criticism toward China's rapid military buildup and lack of transparency.
Singapore summit highlights escalating tensions
Koizumi's remarks came during the final day of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he addressed officials from across Asia, including nations previously occupied by Japan during World War II. He framed Japan's military modernization as a necessary response to evolving regional threats, emphasizing that Tokyo would proceed with "a high degree of transparency."
"What are we developing these capabilities for? And based on what thinking? Japan will move forward while making a clear explanation to the international community."
Shinjiro Koizumi, Japanese Defence Minister
China's warnings and historical grievances
Days before the summit, China's defence ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin warned of a "grey rhino"-a metaphor for an obvious yet ignored threat-posed by Japan's remilitarization. Beijing urged global cooperation to "contain Japan's neo-militarism," a charge Koizumi vehemently rejected.
Tensions between the two nations stem from Japan's wartime aggression, including its invasion of China. During the summit, a Chinese military representative pressed Koizumi on whether Japan would formally apologize to victims in China and Southeast Asia. Koizumi evaded the question, instead criticizing China's opaque military expansion.
Japan's defence overhaul under scrutiny
Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has accelerated its military spending, approving a record 9 trillion yen ($57 billion) budget in December-marking 12 consecutive years of increases. The government aims to allocate 2% of GDP to defence, a target aligned with NATO standards.
Key initiatives include acquiring surface-to-ship missiles, unmanned drones, and relaxing restrictions on arms exports to bolster Japan's defence industry. Takaichi has also advocated for revising Article 9 of Japan's constitution, the pacifist clause renouncing war.
Regional reactions and domestic divide
Japan's military expansion has drawn mixed responses. While some citizens support stronger defences against perceived threats like China, others fear it could provoke conflict. Anti-war protests in recent months have grown to some of the largest in decades, reflecting deep concerns over Japan's departure from its post-war pacifist identity.
Tensions with China peaked in November after Takaichi suggested Japan might deploy its Self-Defense Forces in response to a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan. Beijing condemned the statement, further straining relations.
Calls for dialogue amid rising tensions
Despite the friction, Koizumi reiterated Japan's openness to communication with China. "Japan's door is always open," he said, though he underscored concerns over Beijing's military activities, which he described as a threat to regional stability.
