Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Koizumi has declared that the nation’s ongoing military expansion is “critical” to maintaining global stability, in an exclusive interview with the BBC. Speaking from Tokyo, Koizumi argued that Japan’s enhanced defence capabilities are a necessary response to a deteriorating security environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
“The world is witnessing a fundamental shift in power dynamics,” Koizumi said. “Japan cannot afford to remain passive. Our defence build-up is not about aggression; it is about deterrence and ensuring that regional stability is preserved.”
Koizumi’s remarks come amid a series of landmark policy changes by the Japanese government, including the adoption of a new national security strategy that permits the acquisition of “counter-strike capabilities” and the largest military budget increase since the Second World War. The moves have sparked debate both domestically and internationally, with some critics warning of a potential arms race in East Asia.
Japan’s pacifist constitution, drafted by the United States after the war, has long been a cornerstone of its post-war identity. However, Article 9, which renounces war as a sovereign right, has been reinterpreted in recent years to allow for a more robust military posture. Koizumi defended these reinterpretations, stating that they are consistent with Japan’s obligations as a responsible member of the international community.
“Our alliance with the United States remains the bedrock of our security,” he added. “But we must also take greater responsibility for our own defence. In a volatile world, allies expect partners to contribute their fair share.”
The interview follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between Tokyo and its allies, including a summit with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, where the two nations agreed to deepen defence cooperation. Japan has also strengthened ties with Australia, India, and members of the Quad, a strategic dialogue aimed at countering Chinese influence in the region.
Beijing has consistently criticised Japan’s military expansion, accusing Tokyo of reviving its militaristic past. China’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin stated last week that “Japan’s so-called defence build-up is a pretext for regional hegemony and must be viewed with grave concern.”
Koizumi dismissed such criticism as “predictable rhetoric” and insisted that Japan’s intentions are transparent. “Our constitution limits our actions. We are not a nuclear power. We seek dialogue. But we will not be naive in the face of intimidation,” he said.
Analysts have noted that Japan’s build-up is also a response to North Korea’s missile program and the increasing frequency of Chinese military aircraft incursions near Japanese airspace. The Japanese government recorded 779 Chinese military aircraft sorties near its borders in the fiscal year 2023, a record high.
Koizumi’s son, Shinjiro Koizumi, a prominent politician, has been a vocal advocate for revising the constitution to explicitly acknowledge the Self-Defence Forces. However, the elder Koizumi stopped short of calling for full constitutional revision, instead emphasising the importance of public consensus.
“Change must come from the people. We cannot impose a new security framework without their understanding. That is the democratic way,” he said.
The interview is part of a series of BBC special reports on global security ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, where Japan is expected to play a prominent role as a partner nation.
