Tokyo — Tokyo (AP) — Japan The Prime Minister on Monday inaugurated a panel tasked with reviewing his country’s security and defense policies Tension increased with ChinaNorth Korea and Russia are increasing their military footprint in the region.
It’s part of a push by Sanae Takaichiwho took office in October to accelerate japan’s military construction As a deterrent against regional threats. He argues that Japan needs to prioritize its defense strategy to further strengthen its military capability to better protect itself and survive longer in new forms of warfare.
Last week, Takachi’s cabinet lifted the restrictions Japanese lethal weapons exportsThe move was welcomed by the United States and other defense partners as a step to deepen their military and industry cooperation.
However, it was criticized by domestic pacifists and China for deviating from Japan’s postwar principle of sole self-defense.
“The international situation has completely changed,” Takaichi said at a meeting in his office. “The relatively stable international order after the Cold War has become a thing of the past.”
Japan needs to “learn a lesson” from this Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing war middle east And adopt new forms of warfare, including the use of drones, and prepare for long-term conflict, Takaichi said.
He said, “As the world enters an era of turmoil and Japan faces many challenges, the upcoming amendment… is an important effort that affects Japan’s destiny.”
The 15-member panel of experts on diplomacy, defense and economy will review security and defense policies in view of possible emergency scenarios, and will also look at the defense budget and funding before compiling its recommendations for changes in the coming months.
according to current Policies adopted in December 2022Japan aims to double its defense spending to 2% of the country’s gross domestic product – about 43 trillion yen ($270 billion) – by 2027.
Takachi’s government has already reached that spending target and the panel is expected to discuss possible further increases in military spending.
