Koizumi vows to uphold ‘defense-oriented’ policy at ASEAN meet
The pledge comes as China continues to accuse Japan of "accelerated remilitarization."
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi pledged on Thursday to maintain Japan's "solely defense-oriented" policy during a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations defense ministers in Cebu, Philippines. China has accused Japan of accelerating its military modernization through its defense spending and altered security approach.
In response, Koizumi outlined Japan's intention to set a precedent with its openness while revising three crucial security documents by the end of the year. These revisions aim to bolster Japan's defensive capabilities and bolster regional security.
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