Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has rejected China’s accusation that Tokyo is returning to “new militarism,” arguing instead that Japan’s defense policy is a response to a more dangerous and uncertain regional security environment.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Koizumi defended Japan’s security direction and pointed to China’s rapid military expansion and lack of transparency as a major concern for Japan and the wider international community. Koizumi pushed back against Beijing’s criticism while stressing that Japan remains committed to international law and a free, open international order.

China has repeatedly used Japan’s wartime history to question Tokyo’s defense posture. However, Japan’s position is that its modern defense buildup is not a return to militarism, but a necessary step to protect its people, support regional stability and deter aggression.

That argument is not unreasonable. Japan does not possess nuclear weapons, does not have the same scale of military expansion as China, and continues to operate under a defense-focused security framework. By contrast, China has been expanding its military power rapidly, increasing pressure around Taiwan, and becoming more assertive in the East and South China Seas.

Koizumi also said Japan remains open to dialogue with China, despite the dispute. He expressed disappointment that he could not meet his Chinese counterpart at the forum, while saying Tokyo would keep the door open for engagement.

Beijing’s accusation of “new militarism” may play well politically, but it ignores the present reality: Japan is responding to security threats, not creating them. A stronger Japan, working with partners and acting within international rules, can help balance the region and reduce the risk of coercion.

The real question is not whether Japan is becoming militarist. The more important question is why China is so uncomfortable with Japan strengthening its ability to defend itself.

For now, the exchange at Shangri-La shows how tense the Japan-China relationship has become. But it also highlights a broader shift in Asia: countries are no longer willing to stay quiet while China expands its military influence and accuses others of causing instability.