Koizumi rebuts criticism of Japan's defense moves
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro defended Japan's defense expansion efforts at the Shangri-La Dialogue, calling China's criticism of 'new militarism' baseless, while reaffirming closer defense ties with the Philippines, including the potential transfer of a decommissioned destroyer. Koizumi also expressed regret over China's absence from bilateral talks but pledged continued dialogue despite differing views on regional security.
Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro addressed concerns over Japan's defense expansion during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday. He emphasized that efforts to strengthen defense capabilities and revise defense equipment transfer policies, under Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, aim to promote peace and stability in the region. Koizumi dismissed criticism from China, which labels Japan’s moves as 'new militarism,' stating Japan lacks nuclear weapons or strategic bombers, making the accusation unjustified. Koizumi expressed disappointment that China’s defense minister did not attend the forum, calling it 'sad,' but reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to engaging with Beijing despite disagreements. Before his speech, Koizumi met with Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation. They agreed in principle to transfer Japan’s decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer to the Philippines after its retirement from the Maritime Self-Defense Force. Teodoro highlighted shared concerns between Japan and the Philippines over China’s expanding military activities in the South and East China Seas. He noted that multiple countries view China’s actions as aggressive, underscoring regional tensions. The defense ministers reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative security measures amid growing geopolitical challenges in Asia.
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