Japan seeks candid dialog, defense minister says, rejecting 'neo-militarism' claims

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi attends the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on May 29, 2026. (Photo by JAM STA ROSA / AFP via Getty Images) Jam Sta Rosa | Afp | Getty Images "Japan's door to dialog is always open" to the international community even as it increases defense spending and revises its arms exports guidelines, according to defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi. Speaking at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, Koizumi said that Tokyo has consistently respected international law, adding that "Japan's path as a peace-loving nation has been valued by the region and by the international community. This fact will not be shaken by false claims because it is a fact." He also said about accusations Japan is engaging in "neo-militarism" that there's "nothing further from the truth." China's defense ministry on May 28 had called on the international community to jointly contain Japan's "neo-militarism," according to state media outlet Xinhua. Japan has recently taken steps to expand its defense posture, including lifting its ban on lethal arms exports and mulling changes to Article 9 of its constitution , which renounces war and the maintenance of armed forces. Koizumi said, "Think about it. There is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. Japan has neither of such weapons, and yet Japan is labeled neo-militarist. …