SINGAPORE, Jun 01, 2026 (News On Japan) –
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly rejected accusations that Japan is embracing “new militarism,” describing such claims as false whereas delivering a speech at a significant regional safety convention in Singapore on May thirty first.
Speaking on the Asia Security Conference, Koizumi appeared to criticize China with out naming the nation immediately, responding to repeated assertions that Japan is pursuing a militaristic path.
“A country that possesses large numbers of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers is calling Japan, which possesses neither, a ‘new militarist’ state. Don’t you find that strange?” Koizumi stated.
He condemned such accusations as “false claims,” pushing again towards criticism that has intensified as Japan expands its protection capabilities in response to rising safety challenges within the area.
At the identical time, Koizumi emphasised the significance of dialogue, noting that variations in notion and friction between nations are inevitable.
“It is necessary to engage in frank discussions,” he stated, stressing the necessity for communication even amid disagreements.
On the sidelines of the convention, Koizumi additionally met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro to debate increasing protection cooperation between the 2 international locations.
The two sides reached a broad settlement to proceed discussions on exporting decommissioned Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers to the Philippines quickly after their retirement from service. They additionally agreed to discover the export of a retired coaching plane throughout fiscal 2027.
The talks replicate deepening safety ties between Japan and the Philippines as each international locations strengthen protection cooperation in response to an more and more advanced safety atmosphere within the Indo-Pacific area.
Source: TBS