China Criticizes Japanese Defense Minister Over Military Buildup Comments

China accused Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi of hypocrisy and spreading confusion after he criticized Beijing's non-transparent military expansion at a forum in Singapore. Chinese officials dismissed what they called Japan's "dialogue" as nothing but hypocrisy, alleging that Koizumi was spreading unfounded claims. The exchange reflects the deteriorating state of relations between Tokyo and Beijing, which have reached their worst level in recent years amid rising tensions over regional security and military developments.