Japan rejects “new militarism”, accuses China of rapidly arming

Koizumi said Japan’s record since World War Two “speaks for itself”, citing its adherence to international law and commitment to the United Nations Charter, alongside efforts to uphold a, “free and open international order.”

In May, China’s foreign ministry called on Asia-Pacific countries to be vigilant and, “jointly resist the reckless actions of Japan’s neo-militarism.”

At the Singapore forum, Chinese delegate Major General Meng Xiangqing also criticised Japan.

“I deeply doubt whether a country that has not thoroughly eradicated the toxic legacy of militarism is qualified to talk extensively about defence cooperation on international occasions, and whether it can win the trust of the international community, especially the Asian countries it once invaded,” he said.