Japan's defense white paper affirms stronger military strategy

In a defense white paper, Tokyo presents its case for engaging with allies to respond to threats posed by China and the United States Russian invasion of Ukraine.

China is the "biggest strategic challenge". Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a "serious violation of international law". North Korea is an "imminent threat". And Japan must "fundamentally" strengthen its military and work more closely with countries like South Korea to preserve regional stability. approved by the cabinet office Friday amid growing security concerns that have prompted Tokyo to rethink its decades-long commitment to pacifism.

The document, which borrows much of its language from the national security strategy released in December, is a reaffirmation of Tokyo's commitment to playing a more active role in East Asian security. It sheds light on future military cooperation with South Korea as both countries face an increasingly uncertain security environment.

The effort The ongoing effort to improve this contentious relationship illustrates how Japan has changed its national priorities and defense policy since Russia invaded Ukraine. Tokyo has pledged to double military spending, strengthen local defenses and deepen coordination with countries in Asia-Pacific and beyond.

The The changes come amid growing concerns over political alignment between Moscow and Beijing and over China's plans on Taiwan, a crucial source of semiconductors for Japanese industry. Additionally, North Korea has dramatically stepped up missile launches, raising fears of a strike, whether accidental or intentional.

Such concerns have fundamentally changed the public opinion in Japan on issues related to national security and military affairs that had held firm since the end of World War II.

ImageU .S., South Korean and Japanese warships during a combined exercise last year in the East Sea. Japan has supplied non-lethal military equipment, such as body armor, to Ukraine. Japan has also started talks about exporting weapons for use in that country and getting a so-called counterattack capability for itself that would use missiles to attack military installations. In recent months, Japan's military - known as the Self-Defense Forces - has stepped up exercises at home and with friendly countries, including working with the United States to defend against a simulated invasion of nearby islands. of Taiwan.

At the same time, Friday's white paper stresses that Japan will "prioritize active diplomacy" in its national security efforts.

Over the past year, Tokyo has taken steps to reduce its vulnerability and dependence on China. These have included cooperation with the United States on industrial policies aimed at reducing dependence on raw materials and finished goods from its neighbour.

The most notable efforts since last year's white paper by Tokyo to improve its contentious relationship with Seoul. Many in South Korea have criticized what they see as Japan's failure to repair its colonial rule. For ...