Japan is aggressively reforming its defense policy to counter China's military might

Fumio Kishida y Xi Jinping (REUTERS via Kyoto)

Government of Japan Approved this Friday radical reform of its defense theory to counter China’s military strengthIt is considered an “unprecedented strategic challenge” to the security of the archipelago.

The cabinet approved a plan to double defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027, representing the biggest strengthening of its military policy in decades. In addition, Japan plans to consolidate the command and increase the range of its missiles.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio KishidaHe affirmed on Friday that he is “committed to fulfilling his mission to protect the nation and its people at this critical moment in history.”

Although these changes are supported by public opinion, it is a big change for a country A pacifist constitution adopted after his defeat in World War II prevented him from having a regular army.

Kishida pledged that Japan’s defense strategy would continue to adhere to “its constitution, international law and the framework of Japanese law.”

The new security theory is based on three documents that mention China, North Korea and RussiaThat news agency AFP Counseling was done prior to adoption.

These statements use more concrete language regarding the nomenclature used in the last publication of the national security strategy by Japan in 2013.

China’s increasingly strong military posture has been described as a “great concern for Japan and the international community” and an “unprecedented strategic challenge to Japan’s peace and stability”.

The main axis of the strategy is strong Increased security costs The increase has sparked criticism over how it will be funded.

Local media recently reported that the island nation wants to buy 500 US Tomahawk cruise missiles (REUTERS).

In this way, the country binds itself to the commitment received by the member states I take itEven without being part of this military alliance.

Japan It wants to equip itself with a “counterattack” capabilityThe concept so far understood Unconstitutional That would allow it to act against threats from neighboring countries.

Local media recently reported that the island nation wants to take over 500 Tomahawk cruise missiles Americans, thus increasing the current advantages of its arsenal.

There will also be an increase in the presence of self-defense forces on Japan’s southern islands, closest to Taiwan and China. For example, according to Japanese media, ballistic missile interception units will increase almost threefold.

Tokyo’s concerns about Beijing increased in August after China conducted massive military exercises around Taiwan when missiles landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The national security strategy also addresses multiple missile strikes by North Korea and hints at military action. Pyongyang They represent “an even more immediate threat to Japan.”

The national security strategy also addresses several missile attacks by North Korea and military actions by Pyongyang

The national security strategy also refers to multiple missile attacks by North Korea and military actions by Pyongyang that represent “the most immediate threat to Japan.” (Reuters)

As for Russia, Japan noted Moscow’s willingness to “use force to achieve its own security goals, such as Ukraine.”

He also emphasized that there will be military operations in the region Pacific Asia And strategic cooperation with China “creates a strong security concern.”

Even before its publication, Japan’s new policy angered the Chinese government, which has often criticized Japan’s militarism in the first half of the 20th century, with China as its main victim.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman criticized the policy on Wednesday, saying China “firmly opposes” the policy, which “detracts from Japan’s commitment to bilateral relations and understanding” with Beijing. Wang Wenbin.

For his part, the US President, Joe BidenHe said Washington welcomes Japan’s “contributions to peace and prosperity”.

“The United States stands with Japan at this critical moment,” he wrote on Twitter, calling the alliance a “cornerstone” for an “open and free” Indo-Pacific region.

(With information from AFP)

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