Japan Rebuts China’s ‘New Militarism’ Charge, Vows More Transparent Military Buildup at 45-Nation Forum
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 31
Japan Rebuts China’s ‘New Militarism’ Charge, Vows More Transparent Military Buildup at 45-Nation Forum
7 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 31
Shinjiro Koizumi used the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore to reject Beijing’s “new militarism” accusation and say Japan will keep strengthening its defenses.
China’s criticism prompted the rebuttal, with Koizumi arguing Japan has neither nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers while China is expanding its forces without sufficient transparency.
Tokyo said the buildup will continue under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with upgrades in AI, uncrewed systems, cyber and space defense and a pledge to disclose the process openly.
The dispute has intensified since Takaichi said in November Japan might intervene if China tried to seize Taiwan, adding to friction between the Asian rivals.
At the 45-country forum, China again sent no defense minister, leaving Koizumi without a meeting with counterpart Dong Jun and underscoring the strained security dialogue.
Is Japan's military buildup a stabilizing force in Asia or the spark for an uncontrollable arms race with China?
As Koizumi denies militarism, does his family's hawkish legacy help or hurt Japan's message to its nervous neighbors?
Is Japan sacrificing its pacifist identity for security, or is this a necessary response to a dangerous world?
Japan’s 2026 Defense Revolution: Record ¥9 Trillion Budget, Arms Exports, and Regional Security Impacts
Overview
Japan is undergoing its most significant defense transformation since World War II, driven by a rapidly changing and severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific. This historic buildup features a substantial increase in defense spending and a fundamental re-evaluation of Japan’s strategic posture. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasizes that no single country can protect its peace and security alone, highlighting the necessity of this shift. The government aims to ensure Japan’s safety and contribute to regional and international stability. These efforts reflect Japan’s commitment to adapting its defense strategy to meet new challenges and strengthen its role among allies.