CEBU, Philippines - Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi pledged Thursday at a regional defense forum to uphold the country's exclusively defense-oriented policy, in an apparent response to China's claims that Japan's defense buildup plans mark a revival of its past militarism.
Koizumi said at an expanded meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations defense ministers in the Philippines that Japan will "lead by example in transparency" as it works to update its key security documents by year-end in response to the severe security environment it faces.
At the gathering in Cebu, Koizumi also explained to participants that Japan revised "the three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology" this spring, enabling the sale of weapons with lethal capabilities, such as destroyers and fighter jets.
But he stressed, "What changes is the capacity to defend ourselves and contribute to this region. What does not change is our postwar path as a peace-loving nation, and our respect for the rule of law, transparency and sovereignty."
"Above all, our exclusively defense-oriented policy will never change," Koizumi said.
The defense minister also underscored the importance of communication in the event of a grave incident at sea.
"Can we make the first call without hesitation?" he said, adding that dialogue "prevents misunderstanding and conflict."
The expanded ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting brings together the bloc's 11 members and eight dialogue partners, including Japan.
