India, May 31 -- Japan has strongly rejected accusations from China that it is moving towards "new militarism," as tensions between the two countries continue to grow over regional security issues.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan remains committed to peace, international law, and the principles it has followed since World War II.

He argued that claims of Japanese militarism are unfair, pointing out that Japan does not possess nuclear weapons or strategic bombers.

Koizumi also raised concerns about China's rapidly expanding military capabilities and increasing defence spending, saying the lack of transparency around Beijing's military activities is w...