Story perspectives

Koizumi Blames China’s Opaque Buildup at Shangri-La

5/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shinjiro Koizumi accused China of expanding its armed forces without transparency at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31 2026.
He rejected claims Japan is pursuing militarism and noted the defence budget exceeds 9 trillion yen, aiming for 2 percent of GDP.
Koizumi said Japan will keep its diplomatic door open for communication with China despite the criticism.
Tokyo has lifted restrictions on overseas arms sales, allowing export of warships, missiles and other weapons.

History

Historical Context

Japan’s post-war arms export ban, created by the 1967 Three Principles, was first relaxed on 1 April 2014 under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and expanded by a 2017 amendment permitting sales below original purchase prices. Citing that precedent, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi defended a 9-trillion-yen budget at the Shangri-La Dialogue and urged lifting bans on warship and missile sales to China.

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Story summary

Shinjiro Koizumi accused China of expanding its armed forces without transparency at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31 2026.
He rejected claims Japan is pursuing militarism and noted the defence budget exceeds 9 trillion yen, aiming for 2 percent of GDP.
Koizumi said Japan will keep its diplomatic door open for communication with China despite the criticism.
Tokyo has lifted restrictions on overseas arms sales, allowing export of warships, missiles and other weapons.

1 / 2