Japan Approves Major Defence Overhaul
Muhammad Irfan Published December 16, 2022 | 04:40 PM
Tokyo, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Dec, 2022 ) :Japan's government approved a major defence policy overhaul Friday, including a significant spending hike, claiming that China posed the "greatest strategic challenge ever" to its security.
In its largest defence shake-up in decades, Japan vowed to increase security spending to two percent of GDP by 2027, reshape its military command, and acquire new missiles that can strike far-flung enemy launch sites.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a news conference he was "determined to remain resolute in our mission to protect and defend the nation and its people, at this turning point in history".
"In our neighbouring countries and regions, the strengthening of nuclear missile capabilities, rapid military build-up and attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force have become even more pronounced," he said, evoking Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an example of the changing times.
Polls suggest Japan's public largely backs the shift, but the changes could still be controversial because Japan's post-war constitution does not officially recognise the military and limits it to nominally self-defensive capabilities.
The moves are outlined in three defence and security documents approved by the cabinet Friday.
They describe Beijing as "the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan", as well as a "serious concern" for Japan and the international community.
In response, the government plans to raise its defence spending to two percent of GDP by fiscal 2027, bringing Japan in line with NATO member guidelines.
That marks a significant increase from historic spending of around one percent and has sparked criticism over how it will be financed.
The money will fund projects including the acquisition of what Japan calls "counterstrike capacity" -- the ability to hit launch sites that threaten the country.
The documents warn that Japan's current missile interception systems are no longer sufficient, and Kishida said counterstrike capacity "will be essential in the future".
- 'Radically strengthen' - While Japanese governments have long suggested that counterstrikes to neutralise enemy attacks would be permissible under the constitution, there has been little appetite to secure the capacity.
Still, in a nod to the sensitivity of the issue, the documents rule out preemptive strikes and insist Japan is committed to "an exclusively defence-oriented policy".
"Japan's adherence to the three non-nuclear principles, the exclusive defence policy and its progress as a peaceful nation will remain unchanged," Kishida said on Friday.
The counterstrike capacity will involve both upgrading existing Japanese weaponry but also buying US-made Tomahawk missiles, reportedly up to 500.
Other changes include the establishment of a permanent joint command for Japan's armed forces as well as enhancement of its coastguard.
Core army troops in the southwestern islands will be doubled, and logistics strengthened "to enable the rapid deployment of troops from all over Japan" in an emergency, Kishida said.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
FBR exceeds revenue target, collects Rs.760 billion in May
Tarar extends congratulations to CPNE's newly elected office bearers
Transparent examinations a hallmark of Gwadar University:VC
Brother shot dead sister over domestic dispute in Mansehra
Japan's 'Rebuilding Together' project revitalizes healthcare infrastructure in P ..
PM felicitates CPNE's newly-elected office-bearers
Tennis: French Open results - 1st update
Stock markets wobble as US inflation unchanged
S.African soldier killed, 13 wounded fighting DR Congo rebels
Trump calls NY criminal trial 'very unfair'
Zuma's new party emerges the big winner in South Africa vote
UK Labour pitches new energy policy in election battle
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Kuwaja Moinuddin’s birthday to be celebrated today
13 hours ago -
New volcanic eruption on Iceland's Reykjanes peninsula: weather office
2 days ago -
Famous actor Adeeb remembered
5 days ago -
Talat Hussain performed on Rangeela’s voice in film ‘Insan Aur Aadmi’
5 days ago -
Igniting flame of hope for hockey’s revival in Pakistan
5 days ago -
NAPA chairman, BoD condolences Talat Hussain's death
5 days ago
-
Ziarat Library - fulfillment of a lost reverie
6 days ago -
Igniting flame of hope for hockey’s revival in Pakistan
6 days ago -
South Punjab - a treasure trove of culture, heritage
6 days ago -
Unhealthy junk food harming children health
6 days ago -
Culture Minister grieves over death of folk artist Faqir Roshan Jhatial
13 days ago -
Tightening noose around wheat hoarders, exploiters
13 days ago