Japan Rejects Chinese Accusations of Militarism, Points to China's Nuclear Weapons

Japan's defense minister rejected Chinese accusations of militarism, countering that China possesses nuclear weapons while Japan does not. Minister Koizumi accused China of rapid military buildup in response to recent statements from Beijing's foreign ministry. Earlier this month, China's foreign ministry called on Asia-Pacific nations to remain vigilant and "jointly oppose Japan's irresponsible neo-militarism steps," escalating diplomatic tensions between the two regional powers over military policies and security concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.