BEIJING — China on Monday criticized Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, accusing him of making “baseless” remarks and “sowing confusion” after he warned about China’s expanding military capabilities and pledged to strengthen Japan’s defense posture.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Koizumi’s statements lacked factual basis and misrepresented regional security developments.
“They appear pale and feeble in the face of a series of historical and legal facts and figures,” Lin said at a regular briefing. “This Japanese official deliberately attempts to turn the tables and sow confusion.”
Koizumi made his remarks on Sunday, saying China’s military expansion raised serious concerns for Japan and that Tokyo would continue to enhance its defense capabilities with transparency in areas including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, cyber defense, and space security.
The exchange comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries over security issues in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly related to Taiwan.
Taiwan remains a key source of friction, with Japan previously indicating it could respond militarily in the event of an attempt by China to take control of the island.
The dispute follows months of strained relations, including comments by Japanese leaders signaling a more assertive defense posture and China’s repeated criticism of what it describes as “new militarism” in Japan.
Koizumi made his remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue, where defense officials from multiple countries discussed regional security challenges.
Beijing reiterated that Japan should adhere to a more restrained military policy and warned against actions it says could destabilize regional stability.