Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi dismissed accusations of "new militarism" leveled by China, asserting that Japan remains committed to peace while responding to regional security concerns. Koizumi emphasized Japan's status as a peace-loving nation amidst escalating tensions with Beijing.
China has criticized Japan's recent pivot toward a more proactive defense strategy, viewing it as a departure from its post-World War II pacifist principles. However, Koizumi pointed to China's own rapid military expansion, which he described as lacking sufficient transparency and accountability.
"Japan remains a peace-loving nation, but we cannot ignore the growing threats in our region," Koizumi stated.
Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan has accelerated its defense reforms with U.S. support, aiming to counterbalance China's increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This shift has drawn attention as Japan seeks to bolster its military capabilities without abandoning its commitment to peace.
China's military modernization and territorial ambitions in the East and South China Seas have raised concerns among neighboring nations and the U.S. Koizumi's remarks highlight the growing divide between Tokyo and Beijing as Japan seeks to safeguard its sovereignty and regional stability.