Japanese Media: Koizumi Softens Rhetoric Toward China, Left with Heavy "Homework" by the U.S.

According to a report published by Japan's Jiji Press on June 1: Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba concluded his participation in the Shangri-La Dialogue Asian Security Conference in Singapore on the 31st. On the final day of the conference, he delivered a speech and responded to journalists' questions, refuting China's criticism of Japan as a "new militarism." However, he clearly exercised great caution in his language, avoiding provoking China.

During his three-day visit, Ishiba continued promoting the Japan-U.S. alliance. Yet, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth openly demanded that allies significantly increase defense spending—leaving Ishiba with a heavy "homework" burden.

"If a country possessing vast nuclear arsenals and strategic bombers labels Japan as 'a new militarism,' while Japan itself lacks such weapons, isn't that contradictory?" Ishiba said during his speech on the 31st. Although he did not explicitly name China, it was clearly aimed at Beijing.

Ishiba stated: "When there are differences in perception leading to friction, dialogue and communication must be increased. Open and honest discussions are essential."

Meanwhile, in another segment, he expressed hope for a meeting with China's Defense Minister, saying frankly: "I regret deeply that I didn’t have the chance to meet this time."

Ishiba’s cautious wording stems from the fact that despite facing harsh criticism from China, he has found no viable path to improve Sino-Japanese relations—worsened further by former Minister Asahi Hayashi’s remarks. Another factor is the noticeable improvement in U.S.-China relations following their summit, which has put significant pressure on Japan.

A senior official from the Ministry of Defense said: "We’ve been carefully considering how to phrase our statements involving China right up until the last moment," and revealed they were continuously adjusting their tone.

During the Q&A session after Ishiba’s speech, Chinese attendees called for an apology regarding wartime actions, but Ishiba did not respond directly, instead emphasizing: "Japan’s door for dialogue remains always open."

The U.S. stance remains key to Japan’s strategy toward China.

On the 30th, when U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth delivered his address, Ishiba, seated in the front row, was the first to ask a question during the Q&A session. He asked Hegseth: "I believe the United States will remain steadfastly engaged in Asian affairs. But now, some countries perceive a decline in American involvement?"

Typically, Q&A sessions are led by researchers; it is rare for a minister-level official from a defense ministry to pose questions.

According to officials at the Ministry of Defense, the question was requested by Ishiba himself. His goal was not only to impress upon the U.S.-Japan alliance but also to prevent the U.S. from shifting its military focus toward the Middle East.

However, Hegseth made no mention of the "Taiwan issue" whatsoever, instead urging Asian allies to raise defense spending to 3.5% of GDP. He specifically emphasized greater responsibility for Japan, stating: "We need to work together and strengthen the alliance."

Increase in defense spending was also a central topic discussed during the meeting held after the speeches between the Japanese and U.S. defense ministers.

Regarding defense spending targets, Australia aims for 3%, while South Korea has set a target of 3.5%.

The Japanese government plans to revise three documents—including the National Security Strategy—this year, but there remains strong internal disagreement within the Liberal Democratic Party over specific content. A senior defense official stated: "The U.S. is demanding higher-level contributions from Japan."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866750462310474/

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