Japan and China trade accusations at Shangri-La Dialogue amid rising defence tensions
Japanese officials reject allegations of neo-militarism while accusing Beijing of opaque military expansion, as Tokyo deepens strategic ties with Washington.
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has firmly rejected allegations that Tokyo is pursuing "new militarism," accusing China of rapidly expanding its military capabilities with limited transparency. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi highlighted the disparity between the two nations' defence postures, noting that China maintains a significant arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, whereas Japan possesses neither.
Koizumi argued that Japan’s adherence to international law and the United Nations Charter since World War II speaks for itself, countering claims that Tokyo is acting recklessly. His comments follow a statement in May from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which called on Asia Pacific countries to jointly resist what it described as Japan’s neo-militarism. The Japanese minister lamented that China had not sent its defence minister to the conference, asserting that true transparency is achieved through discussion and dialogue.
The diplomatic friction was met with a sharp rebuttal from Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing, who questioned Japan’s qualification to discuss defence cooperation on the international stage. Meng criticised Japan for not thoroughly eradicating the "toxic legacy of militarism," suggesting the country could not win the trust of the international community or the Asian nations it once invaded.
Bilateral ties have deteriorated significantly following warnings from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response. This rhetoric coincides with a major shift in Japan’s post-war pacifist policy, as Takaichi’s cabinet recently scrapped the ban on lethal weapons exports. China continues to claim Taiwan as its own territory, a position contested by the island’s government.
Amidst these regional tensions, Koizumi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening alliances, particularly with the United States. He praised US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his dedication to the Asia Pacific and warned that division among allies weakens deterrence. The comments come as Hegseth has previously urged Western European partners to increase their defence spending, reflecting broader concerns about coalition unity in the face of global instability.
