'Toxic Legacy Of...': Japan Denies 'New Militarism' Charge, Criticises China's 'Huge Arsenal'

Key Takeaways

• 'Toxic Legacy Of...': Japan Denies 'New Militarism' Charge, Criticises China's 'Huge Arsenal' Published By, Last Updated: May 31, 2026, 16:42 IST Japan defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejects new militarism claims, warns of Chinas military buildup, defends Japans record, backs arms export overhaul and regional deterrence Japan's defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi said China continues to increase its defence spending significantly and that its military activities remain a matter of serious concern Japan’s defence minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday dismissed accusations that Tokyo was pursuing “new militarism" and instead raised concerns over China’s rapidly growing military capabilities and lack of transparency.
• Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi said China continues to increase its defence spending significantly and that its military activities remain a matter of serious concern for Japan and the wider international community.
• Rejecting criticism of Japan’s defence policies, Koizumi pointed to China’s military strength, saying Beijing possesses a large arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, while Japan has neither.
• “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’?" he said.