Japan has rejected accusations from China that it is embracing “new militarism,” as tensions between the two Asian powers continue to rise.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi criticised China for rapidly expanding its military capabilities with what he described as limited transparency.
Mr Koizumi said China’s growing defence spending and military activities were a source of concern for both Japan and the wider international community.
Responding to criticism from Beijing, he questioned claims that Japan was becoming militaristic, noting that the country possesses neither nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers.
He said Japan’s post-Second World War record demonstrated its commitment to international law, the United Nations Charter and a rules-based international order.
China has repeatedly criticised Japan’s recent defence reforms. In May, Beijing urged countries in the Asia-Pacific region to remain vigilant against what it called Japan’s “neo-militarism.”At the Singapore forum, Chinese military delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing said Japan had not fully addressed the legacy of its wartime militarism and questioned whether it could gain the trust of countries it once invaded.
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated in recent years. Concerns intensified after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested last year that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Mr Koizumi said he regretted not being able to meet China’s defence minister during the summit but insisted Japan remained committed to dialogue and regional stability.
For a second consecutive year, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun did not attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of Asia’s leading security forums.
Mr Koizumi also said Japan was determined to play a larger role in defence cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region and strengthen regional deterrence.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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