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Shinjiro Koizumi

The latest news and updates on Shinjiro Koizumi, a prominent Japanese politician and Member of the House of Representatives for the Liberal Democratic Party. Currently serving as Minister of Agriculture, he previously held the post of Minister of the Environment from 2019 to 2021, where he championed initiatives for plastic waste reduction and renewable energy transition. Educated at Columbia University, he also served as Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Reconstruction. Known for his progressive stance on social and environmental issues, Koizumi is considered a rising figure in Japanese politics, with a focus on strengthening Japan-U.S. relations and advocating for climate change countermeasures.

Smoke and flames rise from the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on March 7. Photo: Sasan/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images/TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

US military’s Iran war pivot forces security rethink in Asia-Pacific

As assets are diverted to the Gulf, the Iran war’s high ‘burn rate’ risks creating a ‘thin spot’ in the US security umbrella.

3 hours ago

Japan

Japan identifies 1,500 new missile shelters as ‘front line’ fears grow

5 hours ago

Japan

Can Japan build a ‘China-free’ military? The high price of defying a rival

6 Mar 2026 - 3:48PMvideocam

Munich Security Conference

In Munich, US urges ‘collective strength’ among allies to deter China

Washington and its Indo-Pacific and European allies emphasise need for cooperation to counter Beijing’s military build-up.

16 Feb 2026 - 6:00AM

Chinese military activities – and the need to respond to them – have been framed as a major driver of cooperation between US allies during this year’s Munich Security Conference. Photo: Xinhua

Japan

Video | South Korea and Japan’s defence ministers face off in table tennis

The defence ministers of Japan and South Korea agreed to strengthen cooperation with the United States amid growing security risks, particularly with North Korea.

30 Jan 2026 - 11:30PM

Japan

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

30 Jan 2026 - 8:41PM

Japan

Japan, US vow ‘unshaken’ defence ties despite Trump’s pivot from Asia

‘We talk about America first, yes, but it doesn’t mean America alone,’ Pentagon chief Hegseth tells Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi.

16 Jan 2026 - 11:47AMvideocam

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth (right) welcomes Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at the Pentagon in Virginia on Thursday. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

China-Japan relations

China’s military build-up could ‘seriously’ affect Japan’s security, Tokyo warns

Release of defence ministry report comes amid soaring tensions with Beijing and a boost to Japan’s military budget and goals.

19 Dec 2025 - 6:33PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

China’s military accuses Japan of raising ‘space arms race’ risk

Diplomatic war of words continues with PLA Daily articles targeting Tokyo’s defence and intelligence plans.

18 Dec 2025 - 7:03PMvideocam

US-China relations

Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call

Washington and Tokyo share ‘serious concerns’ about regional security, reaffirm commitment to alliance.

12 Dec 2025 - 8:01PMvideocam

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with his Japanese counterpart, Shinjiro Koizumi, on Friday about the radar row. Photo: Reuters

China-Japan relations

Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst

White House navigates backing long-time ally Japan while preserving trade truce with China amid fraying ties between the Asian neighbours.

12 Dec 2025 - 12:29AMvideocam

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gestures as US President Donald Trump delivers a speech during their visit to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, on October 28. Photo: AP

China’s military drills

China-Russia bomber patrol ‘a serious security’ concern, Japanese minister says

Defence chief Shinjiro Koizumi says the exercise was ‘clearly intended to be a demonstration’ against Japan at a time of heightened tension.

10 Dec 2025 - 7:47PMvideocam

Mainland China

Video | China reveals radio comms with Japan over aerial encounter

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said radar activation is ‘standard practice’ for flight safety.

10 Dec 2025 - 4:49PM

China-Japan relations

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

10 Dec 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

A Chinese J-15 fighter jet prepares to land on the Liaoning aircraft carrier in this photo released in December 2021. China has released more details about Saturday’s mid-air stand-off between Chinese and Japanese fighter jets. Photo: AP

China's military weapons

Why is China piling on the pressure on Japan with increasing naval operations?

Japanese analysis indicates Chinese fighters locked onto jets from a distance of about 52km during first encounter and 148km during second.

9 Dec 2025 - 7:50PMvideocam

The aircraft carrier Liaoning appears to be heading in the opposite direction to the route traditionally taken by Chinese warships. Photo: AP

China’s military drills

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

8 Dec 2025 - 7:37PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Mid-air military stand-off triggers duelling protests in China-Japan row latest

China responds to ‘ill-intentioned’ Tokyo with counter-protest over ‘dangerous’ Japanese maritime behaviour.

8 Dec 2025 - 5:58PMvideocam

China-Japan relations

Tokyo accuses Chinese fighters of locking on Japanese jets northeast of Taiwan

Japan says J-15 fighters used fire-control radar in ‘dangerous act’, while China accuses Japanese planes of disturbing navy drills.

7 Dec 2025 - 9:59PM

A Chinese J-15 fighter jet prepares to land on the Liaoning aircraft carrier in this photo released in December 2021. Tokyo says fighters like these locked on Japanese jets in a rare military encounter on Saturday. Photo: AP

China's military weapons

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

3 Dec 2025 - 11:45PMvideocam

China's military weapons

PLA’s drone carrier on fast track to deployment with apparent second sea trial

A vessel believed to be the Sichuan, a key asset for potential amphibious operations against Taiwan, departs Shanghai shipyard.

2 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM

China-Japan relations

Beijing blasts Japan’s ‘extremely dangerous’ missile deployment near Taiwan

Tokyo’s defence minister says preparation for medium-range, surface-to-air missile deployment on Yonaguni Island is ‘progressing steadily’.

24 Nov 2025 - 10:31PM

Shinjiro Koizumi, Japan’s defence minister, pictured during a visit to military units on Yonaguni and Ishigaki islands on Sunday. Photo: Handout

China-Japan relations

Japan’s export of lethal weapons to US ‘extremely dangerous’: Chinese analysts

Shipment of Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors said to indicate Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities amid tense China-Japan ties.

21 Nov 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

A member of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force stands guard next to a surface-to-air Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missile interceptor launcher vehicle in Funabashi, east of Tokyo, on January 18, 2018. Photo: AP

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Takaichi must soon make amends if China ties are to be repaired

The Japanese PM should take the opportunity of the G20 meeting to explain her comments to Premier Li Qiang and issue an unequivocal retraction.

15 Nov 2025 - 10:50PM

China-Japan relations

Beijing warns Japan after PM’s Taiwan comments fuel nuclear shift concerns

Beijing says Japanese moves mark a ‘major negative policy shift’ as it urges Tokyo to abandon military build-up and regain regional trust.

15 Nov 2025 - 8:24PMvideocam

The Philippines

Opinion | Why China need not fear US-led ‘Squad’ evolving into Asian Nato

Uncertainty surrounds the ‘Squad’, including the US’ ability to support another grouping and Trump’s push for a grand bargain with China.

14 Nov 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

South Korea

Will Japan and South Korea join Aukus, co-develop nuclear submarines with US?

With US approval for Seoul to develop nuclear submarines, Aukus become a more expansive Indo-Pacific defence network.

13 Nov 2025 - 4:36PM

Japan

Warning or routine? Timing of Russian jet fly-past into Japan raises questions

Sanae Takaichi is unlikely to push to improve ties with Moscow, virtually frozen under previous prime ministers, experts say.

31 Oct 2025 - 5:49PMvideocam

Japan

Japan’s military spending earns total ‘respect’ from US defence chief

Hegseth hailed Tokyo’s intention to accelerate the timing of a planned increase in defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP.

29 Oct 2025 - 2:21PMvideocam

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Shinjiro Koizumi

US military’s Iran war pivot forces security rethink in Asia-Pacific

As assets are diverted to the Gulf, the Iran war’s high ‘burn rate’ risks creating a ‘thin spot’ in the US security umbrella.

Japan identifies 1,500 new missile shelters as ‘front line’ fears grow

Can Japan build a ‘China-free’ military? The high price of defying a rival

In Munich, US urges ‘collective strength’ among allies to deter China

Washington and its Indo-Pacific and European allies emphasise need for cooperation to counter Beijing’s military build-up.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | South Korea and Japan’s defence ministers face off in table tennis

The defence ministers of Japan and South Korea agreed to strengthen cooperation with the United States amid growing security risks, particularly with North Korea.

Japan and South Korea bolster defence ties amid regional tensions

Defence chiefs agree to joint AI, space, and drone development, aiming to stabilise the region against growing missile threats.

Japan, US vow ‘unshaken’ defence ties despite Trump’s pivot from Asia

‘We talk about America first, yes, but it doesn’t mean America alone,’ Pentagon chief Hegseth tells Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi.

China’s military build-up could ‘seriously’ affect Japan’s security, Tokyo warns

Release of defence ministry report comes amid soaring tensions with Beijing and a boost to Japan’s military budget and goals.

China’s military accuses Japan of raising ‘space arms race’ risk

Diplomatic war of words continues with PLA Daily articles targeting Tokyo’s defence and intelligence plans.

Japan, US defence chiefs cover radar row and other China tensions in phone call

Washington and Tokyo share ‘serious concerns’ about regional security, reaffirm commitment to alliance.

Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst

White House navigates backing long-time ally Japan while preserving trade truce with China amid fraying ties between the Asian neighbours.

China-Russia bomber patrol ‘a serious security’ concern, Japanese minister says

Defence chief Shinjiro Koizumi says the exercise was ‘clearly intended to be a demonstration’ against Japan at a time of heightened tension.

Video | China reveals radio comms with Japan over aerial encounter

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said radar activation is ‘standard practice’ for flight safety.

China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

Both sides have been trading barbs following a stand-off between fighters during Saturday’s training exercise involving the Liaoning carrier.

Why is China piling on the pressure on Japan with increasing naval operations?

Japanese analysis indicates Chinese fighters locked onto jets from a distance of about 52km during first encounter and 148km during second.

Japan keeps tabs on 4 Chinese navy ships near Okinawa after weekend stand-off

China’s ‘capabilities in long-range, unmanned combat operations mean we can neutralise any threat with precision’, commentator tells CCTV.

Mid-air military stand-off triggers duelling protests in China-Japan row latest

China responds to ‘ill-intentioned’ Tokyo with counter-protest over ‘dangerous’ Japanese maritime behaviour.

Tokyo accuses Chinese fighters of locking on Japanese jets northeast of Taiwan

Japan says J-15 fighters used fire-control radar in ‘dangerous act’, while China accuses Japanese planes of disturbing navy drills.

Is China’s rapid anti-submarine drone progress adding to concerns of Japan, US?

After decades within the confines of the first island chain, the PLA Navy is unveiling a succession of game-changing advances.

PLA’s drone carrier on fast track to deployment with apparent second sea trial

A vessel believed to be the Sichuan, a key asset for potential amphibious operations against Taiwan, departs Shanghai shipyard.

Beijing blasts Japan’s ‘extremely dangerous’ missile deployment near Taiwan

Tokyo’s defence minister says preparation for medium-range, surface-to-air missile deployment on Yonaguni Island is ‘progressing steadily’.

Japan’s export of lethal weapons to US ‘extremely dangerous’: Chinese analysts

Shipment of Patriot surface-to-air missile interceptors said to indicate Tokyo’s expanded military capabilities amid tense China-Japan ties.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Takaichi must soon make amends if China ties are to be repaired

The Japanese PM should take the opportunity of the G20 meeting to explain her comments to Premier Li Qiang and issue an unequivocal retraction.

Beijing warns Japan after PM’s Taiwan comments fuel nuclear shift concerns

Beijing says Japanese moves mark a ‘major negative policy shift’ as it urges Tokyo to abandon military build-up and regain regional trust.

Opinion | Why China need not fear US-led ‘Squad’ evolving into Asian Nato

Uncertainty surrounds the ‘Squad’, including the US’ ability to support another grouping and Trump’s push for a grand bargain with China.

Will Japan and South Korea join Aukus, co-develop nuclear submarines with US?

With US approval for Seoul to develop nuclear submarines, Aukus become a more expansive Indo-Pacific defence network.

Warning or routine? Timing of Russian jet fly-past into Japan raises questions

Sanae Takaichi is unlikely to push to improve ties with Moscow, virtually frozen under previous prime ministers, experts say.

Japan’s military spending earns total ‘respect’ from US defence chief

Hegseth hailed Tokyo’s intention to accelerate the timing of a planned increase in defence spending to 2 per cent of GDP.

Video | South Korea and Japan’s defence ministers face off in table tennis

Editorial | Takaichi must soon make amends if China ties are to be repaired