Japan’s Defence Minister Rejects China’s New Militarism Accusations

Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected accusations of “new militarism” on May 31, 2026, during the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, instead criticizing China for its rapid military expansion and lack of transparency.

Speaking during the fifth plenary session of the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit, Koizumi characterized the accusations from Beijing as hypocritical, citing the disparity between the military capabilities of the two nations.

“Think about it. There’s a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labelled ‘new militarism’?”

Shinjiro Koizumi, Japanese Defence Minister

Koizumi stated that China’s military activities and external approach are matters of serious concern for both Japan and the international community. He argued that This proves natural for every country, including Japan, to update its defenses to address new challenges and contribute to regional peace.

Chinese Accusations of Remilitarization

The exchange follows pointed warnings from Beijing regarding Tokyo’s defense trajectory. Prior to the Singapore summit, Jiang Bin, a spokesman for China’s national defence ministry, warned that “the grey rhino of a remilitarised Japan is gathering speed.”

Jiang Bin called upon the international community to collaborate in order to “contain Japan’s neo-militarism.” These remarks reflect long-standing tensions between the two countries rooted in Japan’s invasion of China during World War II.

Koizumi countered these claims by asserting that Japan’s record since World War II speaks for itself. He cited Japan’s commitment to the United Nations Charter, its adherence to international law, and its efforts to maintain a “free and open international order.”

Defense Spending and Budgetary Targets

The diplomatic friction occurs as Japan continues a steady increase in its military spending. Japan has set spending records for 12 consecutive years, moving toward a target of spending 2% of its gross domestic product on the military.

The Japanese cabinet approved the latest budget in December, which exceeds 9 trillion yen (approximately $57 billion or £42 billion). These military build-ups have taken place under the administration of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The Japanese government has maintained that it is not seeking war, but is instead bolstering its defenses to meet evolving security threats in the region.

Koizumi’s remarks in Singapore represent some of the most direct responses from Tokyo to China’s criticism of its defense policy, underscoring the mounting tensions between the two East Asian powers.