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Japan refutes 'new militarism', accuses China of rapidly arming

Japan refutes 'new militarism', accuses China of rapidly arming

By Rae Wee and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, May 31 (Reuters) - Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Sunday refuted accusations of "new militarism" by Tokyo and criticised China for rapidly increasing military capabilities without transparency, underlining deepening tensions between the two

Pentagon chief urges allies to boost defence spending amid 'alarm' over China's buildup

Pentagon chief urges allies to boost defence spending amid 'alarm' over China's buildup

By Gregor Stuart Hunter, Rae Wee and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, May 30 (Reuters) - U.S.

Japan's Defense Minister Rejects 'Neo-Militarism' Claims Amid Defense Policy Changes

Japan's Defense Minister Rejects 'Neo-Militarism' Claims Amid Defense Policy Changes

Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has addressed accusations of 'neo-militarism' at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Koizumi emphasized Japan's commitment to international law and its identity as a peace-loving nation, countering claims made by China's defense ministry. These claims arose as Japan increases its defense spending and revises arms export guidelines. Koizumi highlighted the inconsistency of labeling Japan as neo-militarist, given its lack of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers. The dialogue also noted the absence of a high-level Chinese official, with China sending a lower-level delegation instead. This development comes as Japan considers changes to Article 9 of its constitution, which renounces war.

Pentagon chief sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend

Pentagon chief sounds 'alarm' over China's buildup, urges allies to boost defence spend

By Gregor Stuart Hunter, Rae Wee and Jun Yuan Yong SINGAPORE, May 30 (Reuters) - U.S.

Analysis-The great Indo-Pacific hedge - deeper defence ties as US doubts grow and China ascends

Analysis-The great Indo-Pacific hedge - deeper defence ties as US doubts grow and China ascends

By Raju Gopalakrishnan and Greg Torode SINGAPORE, May 31 (Reuters) - Caught between China's rapid military rise and growing doubts about the U.S. focus on a region it has long dominated, Indo-Pacific nations are racing to arm themselves, and each other.

Philippines remains under threat from China despite Trump-Xi summit, minister says

Philippines remains under threat from China despite Trump-Xi summit, minister says

By Raju Gopalakrishnan SINGAPORE, May 30 (Reuters) - The Philippines remains under "severe threat" from China, its defence minister said on Saturday, despite a recent thaw in U.S.-China tensions after the summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping earlier this month.

Hegseth reassures Pacific allies as he softens China 'threat' rhetoric

Hegseth reassures Pacific allies as he softens China 'threat' rhetoric

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Pacific allies Saturday that Washington remains committed to the region while softening past comments that described China as an imminent threat

Japan woos Philippine leader during state visit with arms sales and China in mind

Japan woos Philippine leader during state visit with arms sales and China in mind

Japan is treating Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with exceptional hospitality on his four-day state visit

China's low-key presence at Asia defence forum a lost opportunity, Australia says

China's low-key presence at Asia defence forum a lost opportunity, Australia says

By Raju Gopalakrishnan SINGAPORE, May 29 (Reuters) - China's decision to send only academics to Asia's biggest defence forum is a missed opportunity at a moment when countries need more "strategic reassurance" from Beijing, Australia's defence minister said on Friday.

North Korea not keen to engage with the US or South Korea, Singapore FM says

North Korea not keen to engage with the US or South Korea, Singapore FM says

By Brenda Goh SEOUL, May 28 (Reuters) - North Korea does not seem keen to engage with the United States, South Korea or Japan and is focused on building up its self-reliance and military deterrence, Singapore's foreign minister said following a trip to the reclusive state.

Japan Moves Closer to Arms Export Deal with the Philippines Amid Regional Tensions

Japan Moves Closer to Arms Export Deal with the Philippines Amid Regional Tensions

Japan is on the verge of finalizing its first arms export deal with the Philippines following a recent summit between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This development comes after Japan lifted its long-standing restrictions on arms exports, a policy shift driven by growing regional security concerns, particularly regarding China's military activities. The potential deal includes the sale of Abukuma-class destroyers, TC-90 training aircraft, and Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles to the Philippines. This move marks a significant shift in Japan's postwar defense policy and reflects the increasing security cooperation between Japan and Southeast Asian nations.

Japan's Strategic Interest in Middle East Stability Amid New Alliances

Japan's Strategic Interest in Middle East Stability Amid New Alliances

Japan's ambassador has highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle East to Asia, particularly in light of new alliances forming between Israel and several Arab states. These alliances are largely driven by a shared interest in containing Iran, which is seen as a principal regional threat. The evolving geopolitical landscape includes a shift from traditional hydrocarbon-based economies to those centered on advanced technology and defense innovation. This transformation is significant for Japan, as stability in the Middle East allows the United States to focus more resources on the Indo-Pacific region, which is of strategic importance to Japan.