Japan and China Clash at Shangri-La Dialogue Over Militarism Accusations

SINGAPORE (CNA) - Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi addressed the Shangri-La Dialogue on Friday, asserting that Japan's defense policy is aimed at contributing to regional peace and stability with high transparency. He refuted Beijing's previous criticism labeling Japan as a 'new militarism' state, noting it is strange for a country with nuclear weapons and strategic bombers to label Japan as such. Koizumi expressed regret over the lack of a meeting with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, emphasizing that dialogue is essential precisely because of differing views. Meanwhile, Chinese representative Meng Xiangqing criticized Japan for allegedly glorifying war crimes and questioned its trustworthiness. Defense Minister Dong Jun was absent from the forum for the second consecutive year.