Defense Minister Addresses Claims of New Militarism at Regional Security Summit

Japan's defense minister delivered remarks at a regional security summit that addressed accusations of militarism. The address did not include a direct reference to any particular nation. The minister stated that one country possesses a large nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers while Japan has neither.

The minister described the contrast as unusual given the accusations directed at Japan. The comments were made Sunday during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. The speech responded to claims that Japan is repeating steps that led to World War II.

The defense minister spoke to an audience of defense officials from multiple countries. The address occurred amid ongoing regional security discussions. The minister's comments came without naming any specific country as the source of the accusations. The approach reflects Japan's stated preference for measured responses in diplomatic settings.