Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced plans to strengthen the country’s military capabilities despite China’s objections. Speaking at the annual Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi indirectly responded to Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo’s growing security posture, rejecting claims that Japan is pursuing a “new militarism.” He emphasized that Japan lacks nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, contrasting its position with China’s expanding arsenal.

Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has accelerated its shift toward a more active defense policy, moving away from its post–World War II pacifism with encouragement from the United States. Beijing has repeatedly condemned this shift, accusing Tokyo of destabilizing the region. Koizumi countered that China’s military buildup lacks transparency and poses serious concerns for Japan’s security.

Koizumi said Japan will continue to modernize its defense forces with transparency, focusing on artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and cyber and space defense. He reaffirmed Japan’s identity as a peace-loving nation and expressed regret that no bilateral meeting with Chinese officials took place during the forum.