On Sunday, May 31st, Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono strongly countered the Chinese Communist Party’s accusations of “new militarism” in Japan. Kono criticized China for rapidly developing military capabilities without transparency. The escalating standoff between the two countries highlights the increasingly tense bilateral relationship.
Kono, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, stated that China continues to significantly increase defense spending. He added, “China’s foreign policy and military activities are issues of serious concern for Japan and the international community.”
In response to China’s claims that Japan is pursuing a path of new militarism, Kono retorted, “Think about it, which country possesses a massive arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers? Japan neither has nuclear weapons nor strategic bombers, yet it is labeled as ‘new militarism’?”
He further emphasized, “Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently respected international law, including the United Nations Charter, and made sincere efforts to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order.”
Not long ago, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on countries in the Asia-Pacific region to remain vigilant and “jointly resist the reckless actions of Japan’s new militarism.”
Last November, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takai mentioned that if China were to launch an attack on Taiwan, Japan might be forced to take military action in response. Subsequently, Sino-Japanese relations reached their lowest point in years.
Although China has never governed Taiwan, it claims sovereignty over the island. Taiwan rejects China’s attempts, believing that the future of Taiwan should be decided by the Taiwanese people.
Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun has been absent from the Shangri-La Dialogue, dedicated to promoting freedom and openness, for the second consecutive year. Kono expressed regret at not being able to meet with the Chinese defense minister at the forum.
“However, we reiterate that the door to dialogue is always open. I will continue to work towards communication with relevant countries, including China, to maintain peace and stability in the region and the world,” Kono stated.
Kono expressed Japan’s determination to play a new role in defense equipment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and to effectively enhance deterrence in the area.
In April of this year, Japan announced its largest defense export control reform in decades, lifting restrictions on overseas weapon sales and paving the way for the export of warships, missiles, and other weapons.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters)