Japan's Defence Minister Rejects Militarism Accusations at Singapore Forum
Japan's defence minister addressed regional security concerns at the Shangri-La Dialogue. He highlighted China's military expansion and called for allied unity. Chinese delegates responded with criticism of Japan's historical record.
Al JazeeraJapan's defence minister rejected accusations of new militarism during the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on May 31, 2026. He stated that China's rapid military growth and limited transparency represent the greater source of concern for Japan and the international community.
The minister noted that China continues to increase defence spending at a high level. He pointed to the disparity in capabilities, citing one country's possession of a large nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers. Japan's post-World War II record demonstrates adherence to international law, the United Nations Charter, and a free and open international order, he said.
at the Forum A Chinese delegate countered that a country that has not eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism may lack qualification to discuss defence cooperation. The delegate questioned whether such a country can win the trust of Asian nations it once invaded.
Ties between the two countries reached their lowest point in years after Japan's prime minister warned in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response.
Last month, Japan's cabinet ended a long-standing ban on lethal weapons exports, marking a shift from post-war pacifist policy. The defence minister urged unity among allies, stating that division weakens deterrence while unity strengthens it. He added that gaps among the United States, Europe and like-minded countries would invite outside forces to exploit them.
Transparency comes from discussion and dialogue, he said, and noted that China did not send its defence minister to the 2026 conference while Japan keeps the door open for engagement. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended the forum and spoke with Japan's defence minister on May 29.
Transparency
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- Al Jazeera reported: Japan scrapped a ban on lethal weapons exports last month
- Al Jazeera reported: China claims Taiwan as its own territory
- Al Jazeera reported: Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing criticised Japan at the Shangri-La Dialogue, questioning whether a country that has not eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism can be trusted by Asian countries it once invaded
- Al Jazeera reported: Ties between Japan and China reached their worst level in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a Japanese military response
- Al Jazeera reported: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Asia Pacific countries to jointly resist Japan's neo-militarism
- Al Jazeera reported: China did not send its defence minister to the Shangri-La Dialogue
- Al Jazeera reported: Shinjiro Koizumi stated that division weakens deterrence while unity strengthens deterrence
- Al Jazeera reported: Shinjiro Koizumi praised US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his commitment to the Asia Pacific
- Al Jazeera reported: Shinjiro Koizumi warned that gaps among the United States, Europe and allies would be exploited by adversarial forces
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