Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi challenges the accuracy of China’s official military spending data, signaling a tougher stance toward Beijing. In remarks reported by Japanese and international outlets, Koizumi disputes the reliability of China’s published figures and contrasts Japan’s approach with China’s. He says Japan would maintain a transparent process for investing in new military-related capabilities, including emerging technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence. The comments come amid heightened scrutiny of China’s activities in the region and China’s own messaging that it is not pursuing expansionist aims. Japan’s position is presented as a response to Beijing’s portrayal of the situation as rooted in “new militarism” concerns. Overall, the exchange highlights an ongoing dispute over defense spending transparency and how each side characterizes the other’s intent and capabilities. The reporting indicates Japan is emphasizing disclosure and accountability for its own modernization plans while questioning whether China’s figures reflect its actual defense posture.