Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has rejected accusations that Japan is pursuing a path of “neo-militarism,” insisting that the country remains committed to peace, international law and open dialogue with the global community.
Speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Koizumi said Japan’s record as a peace-loving nation remains unchanged despite recent efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities and update policies governing arms exports.
“Japan’s door to dialogue is always open,” Koizumi said, emphasizing that Tokyo continues to respect international law and remains committed to regional stability.
“Japan’s path as a peace-loving nation has been valued by the region and by the international community,” he said. “This fact will not be shaken by false claims because it is a fact.”
His remarks came days after China’s Defense Ministry urged the international community to contain what it described as Japan’s “neo-militarism,” according to Chinese state media.
Japan has recently expanded its defense posture in response to growing regional security concerns, including lifting restrictions on lethal weapons exports and considering revisions to Article 9 of its constitution, which renounces war and limits military activity.
Koizumi dismissed Beijing’s criticism as unfounded.
“Think about it,” he said. “There is a country that possesses a vast arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither, yet Japan is labeled neo-militarist. Isn’t that strange?”
The minister also expressed disappointment that he was unable to meet with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun at the forum, noting that Beijing once again sent a lower-level delegation rather than a cabinet-level representative.
China was represented by Major General Meng Xiangqing, who referenced Japan’s wartime history during remarks at the conference, noting that 2026 will mark the 80th anniversary of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East.
Koizumi argued that disagreements between nations are inevitable but should be addressed through direct engagement rather than public accusations.
“Differences in perception and frictions do arise between countries,” he said. “What is needed is dialogue, not the repetition of unfounded claims in the absence of the other side.”
Throughout his speech, Koizumi emphasized the importance of “trust, transparency and talks” as the foundation for maintaining peace and security across the Asia-Pacific region.
He described transparency as essential for reducing tensions and preventing crises, pledging that Japan’s defense modernization efforts would be conducted with a high degree of openness.
According to Koizumi, Japan is strengthening its military capabilities to respond to evolving security challenges, including artificial intelligence, cyber warfare and unmanned systems.
“We will make the necessary preparations with a sense of responsibility,” he said.
At the same time, Koizumi voiced concern about China’s military buildup, saying Beijing continues to increase defense spending and expand its military capabilities without sufficient transparency.
Those developments, he said, have raised concerns not only in Japan but throughout the broader international community.
Despite those concerns, Koizumi stressed the need for sustained communication between nations.
“We may have different positions and views,” he said. “But that is precisely why we need to continue talking.”
