Japanese Defense Minister: "Northeast Asia's Military Balance Is Rapidly Changing"... Warns China Against "Unilateral Attempts to Change the Status Quo"

Japan Vows to Pursue Policies to Ensure Security

Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, who is visiting Germany, stated on the 13th (local time) that Japan will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities, citing the grave security environment in Northeast Asia.

Koizumi Shinjiro, Japan's Minister of Defense. Yonhap News

According to NHK, Minister Koizumi said at a Munich Security Conference event that "the countries surrounding our nation (Japan) are continuing opaque military buildups, and the regional military balance is rapidly changing," adding, "The Sanae Takaichi administration will push forward policies to secure our nation's safety."

Minister Koizumi stressed that "the foundations that have supported the international order over the 80 years since the war, such as the rule of law, freedom of navigation, and respect for sovereignty, are now being put to the test," emphasizing that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable.

With China, which is accelerating its maritime expansion, in mind, he underscored that "attempts at unilateral changes to the status quo by force must not be tolerated."

Minister Koizumi explained that the Takaichi administration is pursuing a fundamental strengthening of Japan's defense capabilities, an increase in defense spending (defense budget), and an expansion of the range of countries eligible to receive exports of defense equipment, and added that Japan will seek defense cooperation with European countries.

He also held separate talks with the defense ministers of the United Kingdom and Italy, which are jointly developing a next-generation fighter jet, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

He additionally met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation.