Singapore: Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Sunday the recent revisions to the country's three principles on defense equipment transfers and their implementation guidelines, which have basically made its arms exports possible, are designed to "tangibly strengthen deterrence and response capabilities of the region."
According to Philippines News Agency, Koizumi made these remarks during an address at the Asia Security Summit, also known as the Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore, where he rebutted China's criticism that Japan is pursuing new militarism. He argued that such claims are incorrect.
Regarding arms exports, Koizumi emphasized the necessity of ensuring the seamless provision of necessary equipment and capabilities to the region as a whole. He also highlighted the importance of avoiding situations where essential items become scarce and logistics are disrupted during crises.
Koizumi stated that Japan aims to be "a reliable partner" so that every country in the region can independently defend itself and contribute to regional stability. He expressed Japan's intention to serve as a connecting point bringing together regional efforts.
In an apparent reference to China, Koizumi noted, "There is a country that has a huge arsenal of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers," and questioned why Japan, which possesses neither, is labeled as pursuing "new militarism." He stressed that Japan's reputation as a peace-loving nation is cherished by both the region and the international community, and that this perception will not be altered by false claims.
Koizumi also pointed out that military coercion is intensifying in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, making the security environment in the Indo-Pacific increasingly severe. He called for stronger coordination among like-minded countries to address these challenges.
Highlighting the progress in defense cooperation between Japan and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as other regional programs and efforts, Koizumi stated, "We will link all these efforts to turn points into lines, and from lines into planes."
