Japan to Revise Defense Policy Amid Growing Threats — ABC News
Japan has begun reviewing its security and defense policies amid rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, where China, North Korea, and Russia are stepping up their activities.
ABC News reports this.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has established a special task force to review the country’s defense strategy. The initiative aims to strengthen Japan’s military capabilities and adapt to new security challenges.
According to Takaichi, the world order that emerged after the Cold War is no longer stable. She emphasized that the country must prepare for a new era of turbulence and take into account modern forms of warfare.
The Japanese government also plans to take into account the experience of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the active use of drones and the prospect of protracted wars.
A working group comprising 15 experts in diplomacy, defense, and economics will assess potential crisis scenarios, the defense budget, and funding mechanisms. It is expected to prepare recommendations for changes in the coming months.
According to the strategy adopted in 2022, Japan plans to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP by 2027—approximately 43 trillion yen (about $270 billion). The government has already reached this level, and is now considering further increases in defense sector funding.
Earlier reports indicated that Japan’s first destroyer, the JS Chokai, equipped with American Tomahawk cruise missiles, is preparing to begin combat trials.
Japan also downgraded its assessment of relations with China in a new diplomatic report. The reason is tensions surrounding Taiwan and political statements from both sides. At the same time, Tokyo states that it wants to maintain dialogue with Beijing.
