Japan and China Clash Over Militarism at Shangri-La Dialogue

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Chinese officials exchanged sharp accusations of militarism during the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30 to June 1, 2026. Koizumi rejected Beijing's claims that Japan is pursuing "new militarism," arguing that Japan's defense updates are transparent responses to regional challenges. He countered that China's own vast nuclear arsenal and lack of military spending transparency are the primary concerns for the international community.

Chinese delegates, including Major General Meng Xiangqing, questioned Japan's qualifications to discuss security cooperation, citing the "toxic legacy" of its wartime aggression. Following the summit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian characterized Koizumi's remarks as hypocrisy and warned that Japan's record-high defense budget and long-range missile deployment breach postwar international orders.

These tensions reflect a broader shift in Japanese policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has increased the defense budget to over 9 trillion yen and scrapped bans on lethal weapons exports. Takaichi has also suggested Japan could militarily intervene if China attempted to seize Taiwan. Simultaneously, Japan expanded regional ties, agreeing to transfer destroyers and aircraft to the Philippines and holding inaugural trilateral talks with Australia and New Zealand. In response to these alignments and Philippine criticism, China's People's Liberation Army conducted combat readiness patrols around Scarborough Shoal. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun notably skipped the summit for the second consecutive year.