Tokyo, February 27: Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has strongly countered criticisms from China. According to local media, Tokyo is focused on strengthening its defense capabilities, which China claims is part of a propaganda campaign.
In a report by Kyodo News, when asked about the Japanese government’s efforts to end restrictions on the transfer of defense equipment, Koizumi stated, “China is running a propaganda campaign suggesting that Japan is becoming militaristic again.”
During a press conference, Koizumi explained that this government decision was primarily made in response to the increasing security threats posed by China. He referenced data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Koizumi noted that between 2015 and 2024, China’s total arms exports amounted to approximately $17 billion, making it the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, while Japan does not even rank in the top 50.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi previously suggested in parliament that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a response from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. Following this statement, China harshly criticized Japan and took several economic measures. China views Taiwan as part of its territory and insists on reunification with the mainland by force if necessary.
According to Kyodo News, Koizumi emphasized, “Given the current security situation, it is essential for us to develop our own defense capabilities without relying on any specific country for procurement.”
In December of last year, Japan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Kazuyuki Yamazaki, wrote a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, describing China’s criticism of Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan as “factually incorrect, baseless, and unacceptable.”
In response to a letter from China sent to the UN Secretary-General, Yamazaki stated, “The claims made in the letter dated November 21 are not factual, are baseless, and are clearly unacceptable. Japan’s position has been clearly outlined in my letter dated November 24. Nevertheless, under the direction of the Japanese government, I wish to reiterate Japan’s perspective.”
He further stated, “Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently respected and adhered to international law. Japan has actively contributed to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. This unwavering policy of Japan is widely recognized in the international community. Japan will continue to contribute to international peace, stability, and prosperity in full accordance with international law as a peaceful nation.”
Yamazaki expressed that Japan believes differences should be resolved through dialogue and that Tokyo has shown its willingness to respond through discussions.
According to Kyodo News, Yamazaki’s latest letter came at a time when China’s permanent representative to the UN, Fu Cong, had warned Guterres in a second letter that “the international community should remain extremely vigilant regarding Japan’s ambitions to expand its military capabilities and revive militarism.”
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