Koizumi Rejects Chinese Claims of 'New Militarism' in Japan

Koizumi challenges Beijing's claims of renewed Japanese militarism as China reportedly takes its accusations directly to Trump. 

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected China's accusations of a resurgence of Japanese militarism on October 14, questioning why a country with nuclear weapons and strategic bombers would level such criticism at one that possesses neither.

Speaking at a Lower House Budget Committee session in response to a question from Keishi Abe of Ishin no Kai, Koizumi said Beijing was attempting to promote its narrative of Japan's "new militarism" internationally, but that "hardly anyone sympathizes with that."

A Narrative Aimed at the World

Koizumi said China keeps advancing new claims while concealing the opacity of its own military activities. Japan will rebut unfair criticism, he said, but it is "important to consistently maintain the stance that dialogue is always open."

The minister also pointed to China's expanding nuclear forces. Its stockpile is estimated at about 600 warheads, he noted, and is projected to exceed 1,000 after 2030.

Xi Raised the Issue With Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping brought up the same theme at his September 24 summit with US President Donald Trump. 

Multiple Western intelligence sources told The Sankei Shimbun that Xi described Japan's higher defense spending as an "arms buildup" and urged the American side to be wary of Japanese "militarism." Trump reportedly did not engage with the point, calling Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a good friend.

Calm and Resolute Response

Koizumi described China's military activities and lack of transparency as "a matter of serious concern for Japan and the international community." He added that the Defense Ministry and Self-Defense Forces would "respond calmly and resolutely."

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Full Speech: Defense Minister Koizumi Rejects Beijing's 'New Militarism' Accusation

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun