Ties between Japan and China sank to their worst level in years after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could bring about a Japanese military response.
China views Taiwan as its own territory, over the objections of Taipei’s government.
Koizumi said he felt “sad” about not being able to meet his Chinese counterpart at the dialogue, Asia’s premier defence forum.
“But again, we keep the door open to talks. I remain committed to communicating with the countries concerned, including China for the peace and stability in the region and of the world.”
For the second year running, Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun has given the Singapore security meeting a miss, skipping opportunities to meet his counterparts.
Koizumi said Japan is “determined” to play a new role in defence equipment cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and aims to tangibly strengthen deterrence in the region.
In April, Tokyo unveiled its biggest overhaul of defence export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening the way for exports of warships, missiles and other weapons.
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