Japan Invests in Military Defense

On Friday, Japan adopted sweeping changes to its national defense strategy and announced a major military spending plan. It pledged to attain long-debated “counterattack capabilities” to target the bases and command centers of its adversaries with long-range missiles.
The plan, spanning a five-year period, envisions boosting the country’s defense spending to 2% of GDP, which would constitute a 50% hike in the annual military budget and amount to a total of some $320 billion.
“The country’s new National Security Strategy (NSS) reads that Japan is facing the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II,” referring to the growing pressure from “those seeking to unilaterally change the status quo by force.”
Japan’s neighbors, including China and North Korea, were named as the biggest threats to the nation. According to the document, the strategic challenge posed by China is the biggest Japan has ever faced. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a serious violation of laws that forbid the use of force and has shaken the foundations of the international order.
According to the NSS, long-range missiles from allegedly aggressive neighbors pose “a real threat” to Japan, and the counter strike capability is “key” to deterring these neighbors, who have “dramatically improved” their own strike potential. Citing tensions over Taiwan among other reasons, the strategy also called for military investment.
“Wang Wenbin, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said at a news briefing on Friday that Beijing had already condemned Tokyo’s proposed military expansion, accusing it of “inciting provocations and creating troubles” in the region.”
He said that the defense policy document issued by Japan ignores the facts, deviates from Japan’s commitment to bilateral relations and the consensus between China and Japan, and smears China’s national defense posture and normal military activities for no reason.
However, Washington hailed the “bold and historic step” taken by Tokyo. “We welcome Tokyo’s efforts to strengthen and modernize the US-Japan alliance, which is a key part of our strategy for promoting peace and stability in the region,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.
Article 9 of Japan’s constitution renounces war as a foreign policy tool and remains enshrined as a pacifist provision. Beware, Japan’s Self-Defense Force has transformed into a mighty military, with top of the line equipment, fighter jets and battleships.