Japanese Defence Minister dismisses China's 'new militarism' criticism

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi pledged to strengthen Japan’s defence capabilities and regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, while dismissing China’s accusations of ‘new militarism’. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Sunday, Defence Minister Koizumi said the regional security environment was becoming increasingly challenging due to economic and military pressures, as well as rising competition in cyber, space, and information domains. ‘The line between peacetime and emergency situations is becoming increasingly blurred,’ he said. Koizumi defended Japan’s defence modernisation programme, including plans to revise key national security documents by the end of this year, and investments in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber capabilities, and space technology. ‘There is a country with a large nuclear arsenal and strategic bombers. Japan does not possess such weapons. Yet, Japan is labelled as ’new militarism’. Isn’t that odd?’ Koizumi said, seemingly referring to China’s criticism of Japan. Koizumi also warned that non-transparent military development and unclear actions would lead to mistrust and miscalculation. He added that Japan would implement its defence upgrades with ‘high levels of transparency’. Meanwhile, Koizumi reaffirmed Tokyo’s commitment to dialogue with Beijing despite ongoing differences between the two neighbours. Tokyo-Beijing relations have deteriorated to their lowest point in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hinted in November that Japan could support the United States if China attacked Taiwan, a self-governing island that Beijing considers a renegade province that could be forcibly reunified if necessary. Koizumi expressed disappointment at not having the opportunity to meet Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun at the forum. He highlighted disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the importance of keeping strategic sea lanes open and secure. He also emphasised Japan’s deepening security cooperation with the United States, Australia, the Philippines, the UK, and Southeast Asian nations. Koizumi stated Japan would play a larger role in defence equipment and technology cooperation following the easing of arms export restrictions in April. ‘Division weakens deterrence. Unity strengthens deterrence,’ Koizumi said.