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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivered a less strident speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, stating that US-China relations are "better than they've been in many years" and that the US seeks "stable peace, fair trade and respectful relations." He reaffirmed the US strategy of "deterrence by denial" in the Pacific but still acknowledged China's military build-up as a threat. Hegseth avoided mentioning Taiwan directly but confirmed no change in the US status towards the island. China's Major General Meng Xiangqing expressed hope for improved military-to-military relations but criticized "hegemonism" and "bloc confrontation." Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi defended Japan's defense posture against accusations of militarism.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected accusations of "new militarism" by Japan, asserting that the country's post-World War II record demonstrates adherence to international law and a commitment to peace. Koizumi expressed concern over China's rapid military expansion and lack of transparency, stating that China's defense spending is increasing significantly. He highlighted Japan's absence of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers as evidence against the militarism claims. In contrast, a Chinese delegate questioned Japan's qualification to discuss defense cooperation given its historical militarism. The exchange occurs amidst strained relations between Japan and China, exacerbated by a recent warning from Japan's Prime Minister regarding a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan.

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, speaking at a defence summit in Singapore, denied accusations of "new militarism" from China. He criticized China's military expansion and lack of transparency, calling its "huge arsenal" a cause for international concern. These remarks were a strong response to China's warnings about Japan's increasing defense spending, which has set records for 12 consecutive years and is moving towards 2% of GDP. Koizumi stated that it is natural for countries, including Japan, to update their defenses to address new challenges and promote regional peace. The dispute reflects ongoing tensions between the two nations, rooted in historical conflicts.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected accusations of "new militarism" from China. He stated that Japan's defense strategy changes are intended to foster a cooperative role in regional security. Koizumi also expressed opposition to "unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion," a stance widely interpreted as a response to China's activities in the East and South China Seas and its stance on Taiwan. He highlighted Japan's lack of nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, questioning the "new militarism" label. The minister emphasized that every country should determine its future freely and that the region must remain open to those respecting shared rules.

Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rebuffed China's accusations of "new militarism" at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. He stated that Japan, which lacks nuclear weapons and strategic bombers, is wrongly labeled as militaristic, contrasting this with a country possessing such capabilities. Koizumi highlighted China's expansion of military capabilities "without sufficient transparency" as a serious concern for Japan. He emphasized that Japan will steadily build its defense capabilities with transparency, focusing on areas like AI and cyber defense. Koizumi asserted that Japan's reputation as a peace-loving nation remains strong despite these claims. This exchange occurs as Japan, with US encouragement, adopts a more proactive defense policy, moving away from its post-WWII pacifist stance.