Japan seeks candid dialog, defense minister says, rejecting 'neo-militarism' claims
Koizumi said that Japan engaging in "neo-militarism" was "nothing further from the truth."
TL;DR
- Japan's defense minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, stated that Japan's door to dialogue with the international community is always open.
- Koizumi rejected accusations of Japan engaging in "neo-militarism," calling them "nothing further from the truth."
- He questioned the logic of labeling Japan "neo-militarist" when it lacks nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, unlike other nations.
- Koizumi expressed regret over the absence of China's defense minister at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, stating it prevented direct discussion.
- He noted that China sent a lower-level delegation to the Dialogue.