At Shangri-La Dialogue, Koizumi counters China criticism, explains security review

2026-05-31

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on May 31 gave a speech at the Asia Security Conference (Shangri-La Dialogue) in Singapore, rebutting claims that Japan's strengthening of its defense capabilities amounts to 'new militarism', with China in mind.

Rebuttal to China criticism

'There is a country that possesses large numbers of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers,' he said, asking whether it was not 'strange' for Japan, which has none of them, to be labeled as 'new militarism'. China has criticized Sanae Takaichi's administration's defense policy and related moves as 'new militarism'.

Promoting broader security cooperation

Koizumi explained the planned revision by year-end of the three security-related documents, including the National Security Strategy, saying Japan will 'contribute to peace and stability in a free and open region'. He stressed that the revisions would proceed 'under high transparency'.

He also said Japan plans to expand training with the armed forces of Australia, the Philippines and Britain, in addition to cooperation with the United States. He said Japan also intends to advance defense cooperation with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Continuing communication with China

Regarding Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun's absence from the meeting, he said, 'I am frankly sorry we had no opportunity to meet. The door to dialogue is always open.' With China in mind, he said 'opaque military buildup and actions whose intentions are unclear invite distrust and miscalculation', and added that Japan would 'continue to communicate with relevant countries, including China, for peace and stability in the region and the world'.

Defense equipment exports and new technologies

He also referred to Japan's decision to allow exports of lethal defense equipment, explaining that its significance is 'to realistically strengthen regional deterrence and response capabilities'. He added that 'it is important to continuously secure the equipment and capabilities needed by the region as a whole'.

He also said new ways of fighting using artificial intelligence (AI) and drones are spreading around the world, showing that Japan is also moving quickly to respond. On the Middle East situation, he said a de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz 'benefits no one', while making no reference to military operations by the United States and Israel.

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