FOCUS: Japan’s Koizumi Concentrated on Wording over China

Singapore, June 1 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi paid attention to wording over China during his latest three-day visit to Singapore for participation in the Asia Security Summit, better known as the Shangri-La Dialogue. In his address at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Sunday, Koizumi rebutted China’s criticism of Japan for pursuing new militarism. But he was very careful about expressions and tried to avoid excessively unnerving the neighboring country. Meanwhile, he highlighted Japan’s close alliance with the United States although Washington urged the East Asian ally to further increase its defense spending. In the address, Koizumi said: “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 ‘new militarism.’ Isn’t it strange?” It was clear that the minister referred to China, but he refrained from naming it. Koizumi also said: “Differences in perception and friction do arise between nations. What is needed at such times is not the repetition of unfounded claims in the other side’s absence. What is needed is direct and candid dialogue.” In addition, he voiced regret over being unable to meet with China’s defense minister, who failed to take part in the Shangri-La Dialogue. “I am feeling sad that we were unable to have the opportunity to have a meeting this time.” He paid attention to his rhetoric over China because Japan cannot remain silent regarding Beijing’s criticism of Tokyo. Also, Japan has been unable to find a way to improve the two countries’ relations, which deteriorated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks last November over a possible contingency concerning Taiwan. A senior official at Japan’s Defense Ministry said that the Japanese side continued adjusting the tone of Koizumi’s address until the last minute. In a question-and-answer session after the address, a Chinese participant asked for Japan’s apology for its activity during World War II. While avoiding a direct response, Koizumi said Japan’s door to dialogue is always open. The United States’ attitude is a key to Japan dealing with China. Koizumi sat in the front row during U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Shangri-Lad Dialogue address on Saturday and was the first to be appointed by the moderator for asking a question. Koizumi told Hegseth that he is sure about the United States’ unwavering commitment to Asia. Pointing out, however, that the U.S. commitment is underestimated in some countries, Koizumi asked the U.S. defense chief to send a message to assure those nations. The Japanese minister apparently aimed to keep the United States, which is shifting its military focus to the Middle East, engaged in Asia while trying to convince the audience of the strength of the Japan-U.S. alliance. Still, Hegseth in his address urged U.S. allies in Asia to increase their defense spending to levels equivalent to 3.5 pct of their gross domestic product. In particular, he called on Japan to further increase its burden, saying, “We have high expectations of our Japanese allies, and together we can and must each pull our weight to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.” Defense spending hikes were also on the agenda at a Koizumi-Hegseth meeting held later on Saturday. Among countries in the region, Australia and South Korea have set targets of increasing their defense spending to 3 pct and 3.5 pct of GDP, respectively. The Japanese government plans to revise its three key security documents by year-end. Meanwhile, many lawmakers in the country’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party are cautious about setting a numerical target for defense spending hikes. A senior Japanese Defense Ministry official said, “The United States is seeking a high level of contributions.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]