Japan defence minister rebuffs claims of ‘new militarism’ levelled by China
Japan's defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, defended the country's military stance at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. He rejected China's accusations of Japan's 'new militarism' and emphasized Japan's commitment to peace. Koizumi highlighted concerns over China's military expansion and reiterated Japan's intention to enhance its defence capabilities transparently.
- ▪Shinjiro Koizumi addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.
- ▪He stated that Japan is a peace-loving nation and criticized China's military expansion.
- ▪Koizumi mentioned that Japan would continue to strengthen its military capabilities despite external criticism.
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The Japanese defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, addresses the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. Photograph: Caroline Chia/ReutersView image in fullscreenThe Japanese defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, addresses the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. Photograph: Caroline Chia/ReutersJapanJapan defence minister rebuffs claims of ‘new militarism’ levelled by China Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan valued as a ‘peace-loving’ nation while China expands military capabilities ‘without sufficient transparency’Agence France-Presse Sun 31 May 2026 01.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleJapan’s defence minister took a veiled swipe at China on Sunday, pledging to keep strengthening the military despite Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo’s increasingly muscular security…
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