Japan and China trade accusations at Shangri-La Dialogue

Japan and China Exchange Accusations at Shangri-La Dialogue Over Military Posture

SINGAPORE — Japan and China traded sharp criticisms over each other's military policies during the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Sunday, underscoring the deep strains in their bilateral relationship.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi used his platform at the summit to reject Beijing's repeated characterization of Tokyo's defense buildup as "new militarism," while simultaneously accusing China of expanding its military capabilities without sufficient transparency. His remarks drew a pointed response from China's delegation, which questioned Japan's qualifications to discuss regional security given its wartime history.

Koizumi's Defense of Japan's Military Posture

Speaking before defense officials and delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region, Koizumi dismissed the "new militarism" label as baseless, arguing that Japan's defensive orientation was evident in its military composition and adherence to international norms.

"Think about it. There is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers," Koizumi said, in an apparent reference to China, without naming it directly. "Japan has neither of such weapons. And yet, Japan is labeled (as) 'new militarism.' Isn't it strange?"

He defended Japan's ongoing military modernization as a necessary response to evolving security challenges, promising that Tokyo would proceed "with a high degree of transparency" and engage in continuous dialogue with other nations. Koizumi highlighted Japan's commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter, asserting that the country's record since World War II "speaks for itself."

According to multiple reports, Koizumi specifically cited China's growing defense spending and military activities as matters of "serious concern" for Japan and the international community. He also confirmed that Japan would continue to "steadily build up its defense capabilities and make continuous updates," including in areas such as artificial intelligence, uncrewed systems, and cyber and space defense.

China's Rebuttal and Counteraccusations

China's representatives at the forum pushed back against Koizumi's remarks, reiterating their long-standing criticism of Japan's security policy shifts.

Major General Meng Xiangqing, a delegate at the summit, voiced deep skepticism about Japan's intentions.

"I deeply doubt whether a country that has not thoroughly eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism is qualified to talk extensively about defense cooperation on international occasions and whether it can win the trust of the international community, especially the Asian countries it once invaded," he said.

Beijing has accused Tokyo of pursuing a "reckless policy" of "neo-militarism" that could destabilize the region. In May, China's Foreign Ministry called on Asia-Pacific nations to be vigilant and "jointly resist the reckless actions of Japan's neo-militarism." A day before the summit began, China's national defense ministry spokesperson warned that "the grey rhino of a remilitarised Japan is gathering speed."

Tensions Over Taiwan and Regional Security Context

The sharp exchanges at the Shangri-La Dialogue come against the backdrop of deteriorating Japan-China relations, particularly since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested in November that Japan might intervene militarily if China were to attempt to seize Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as part of its territory.

Under Takaichi, Japan has accelerated its pivot toward a more proactive defense policy, moving away from the pacifist principles that have shaped its security posture since 1945. Tokyo has increased its defense budget for 12 consecutive years, with its latest budget exceeding 9 trillion yen (approximately $57 billion), approaching the NATO-style target of spending 2% of GDP on defense.

Japanese officials have consistently maintained that the build-up is purely defensive and aimed at contributing to regional stability.

Discrepancies in Reporting

While multiple international outlets, including Al Jazeera, BBC, and Deutsche Welle, reported on the core facts of the exchange — Koizumi's rejection of the "new militarism" label, his criticism of China's military transparency, and China's counteraccusations — there were some variations in the details reported.

Notably, some reports mentioned that Japan and the Philippines are discussing a potential transfer of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft, but this detail was not included in all accounts and has not been independently verified by all sources.

Additionally, while most reports agreed that China's Defense Minister Dong Jun skipped the Shangri-La Dialogue for the second consecutive year, the significance of this absence was interpreted differently across outlets, with some suggesting it reflected the depth of bilateral tensions.

Perspectives from the Region

The exchange at the Shangri-La Dialogue highlights the divergent security perspectives of Japan and China, and the broader implications for regional stability.

Japan, backed by the United States, views China's military modernization and assertive behavior in the East China Sea and South China Sea as a significant challenge to the rules-based international order. Tokyo's defense posture changes are seen as a necessary adaptation to this new security environment.

China, for its part, views Japan's military buildup and its alignment with the U.S. as a threat to its own security interests and a return to a militaristic past. Beijing has repeatedly criticized Tokyo for not fully confronting its wartime history.

Observers note that the two countries continue to maintain diplomatic channels, but the rhetoric at the Shangri-La Dialogue suggests that mutual mistrust remains deep-seated, with little sign of imminent rapprochement.