During the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi addressed criticisms from China regarding Japan's enhanced military posture. He asserted that Japan, under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is moving away from its post-World War II pacifism to adopt a more proactive defense strategy, which has drawn ire from Beijing. Koizumi pointed out the irony of Japan being labeled as 'new militarism' despite its lack of nuclear weapons, contrasting it with China’s substantial military capabilities. He expressed concern over China's military expansion, citing a lack of transparency and the potential destabilization of the region. Koizumi reaffirmed Japan's commitment to building its defense capabilities, including advancements in artificial intelligence and cyber defense, while maintaining its historical reputation as a peace-loving nation. The dialogue highlighted the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Japan and China, particularly regarding Taiwan, and noted China's diminished representation at the forum, as it sent a less senior delegation for the second year in a row.