Explained: How Japan is overhauling its defence capibilities with eye on China
2 years ago

Explained: How Japan is overhauling its defence capibilities with eye on China

Firstpost  

Unease has grown in Japan over China’s rapidly modernising military and North Korea’s wave of missile tests. Japanese officials have regularly protested Chinese maritime incursions, and raised concerns about joint aerial exercises by Chinese and Russian planes Tokyo: Japan has laid out plans to expand its defence capabilities drastically over five years. That level “became symbolic of Japan’s security policy that focuses exclusively on self-defence”, Naoko Aoki of the Atlantic Council think tank told AFP. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged to ramp up spending to two per cent by 2027 “Breaching this self-imposed cap does not mean that Japan is abandoning its policy,” said Aoki. Surveys also show Japan’s public is broadly supportive of efforts to boost defences, including through the counterstrike capacity, though there is opposition to new taxes to finance spending.

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History of this topic

Japan's prime minister vows military buildup, deeper ties with the US as regional tension rises
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Japan's prime minister vows military buildup, deeper ties with the US as regional tension rises

New Indian Express  

TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba renewed a pledge Saturday to build up his country’s military and deepen its alliance with the United States under President-elect Donald Trump. Ishiba, who made the comments at an annual troop review held at Camp Asaka in the Tokyo suburbs, said the security environment surrounding Japan and the international community has significantly worsened due …

Japan careering along dangerous road without due care and attention
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Japan careering along dangerous road without due care and attention

China Daily  

Members of the Japan Self Defense Forces wearing protection gears take part in a civil protection exercise in Tokyo on January 15, 2024. In recent years, Japan has been running wildly on the dangerous road of expanding its military, which deserves high vigilance from neighboring countries and the international community. Against the backdrop of overall deflation in Japan's economy, sluggish …

Japan careering along dangerous road without due care and attention
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Japan careering along dangerous road without due care and attention

China Daily  

Members of the Japan Self Defense Forces wearing protection gears take part in a civil protection exercise in Tokyo on January 15, 2024. In recent years, Japan has been running wildly on the dangerous road of expanding its military, which deserves high vigilance from neighboring countries and the international community. Against the backdrop of overall deflation in Japan's economy, sluggish …

Japan should think twice about taking point position in containment of China: China Daily editorial
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Japan should think twice about taking point position in containment of China: China Daily editorial

China Daily  

In a revealing interview with Bloomberg while attending the gathering of the Aspen Economic Strategy Group, the United States Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel made it clear that the US is looking to its Asia-Pacific ally to take point in the efforts to get China's neighbors to participate in the US strategy to contain China. Exposing the callousness with which …

China accuses Japan of ‘smear attacks’ in recent talks with the US, India and Australia
4 months, 3 weeks ago

China accuses Japan of ‘smear attacks’ in recent talks with the US, India and Australia

Associated Press  

BEIJING — China has expressed strong dissatisfaction to Japan about what it called “smear attacks” against China at recent high-level meetings with the United States, India and Australia, the Foreign Ministry said Wednesday. “Liu pointed out that Japan’s smear attacks on China are self-contradictory to its statement of promoting the strategic and reciprocal relationship between the two countries,” the statement …

US-Japan security talks focus on bolstering military cooperation, underscores threat from China
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US-Japan security talks focus on bolstering military cooperation, underscores threat from China

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Japanese and U.S. defense chiefs and top diplomats agreed to further bolster their military cooperation by upgrading the command and control of U.S. forces in the East Asian country and strengthening American-licensed missile production there, describing the rising threat from China as “the greatest strategic challenge.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin joined their …

US to revamp military command in Japan amid China’s threats
4 months, 3 weeks ago

US to revamp military command in Japan amid China’s threats

Al Jazeera  

The US defence chief says the US command’s upgrade in Japan is the most significant progress in their alliance. “The United States will upgrade the US Forces Japan to a joint force headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities,” US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reporters on Sunday after the so-called “2+2” talks between the defence and foreign ministers …

Threat from North Korea and China greater than ever: Japan
5 months, 1 week ago

Threat from North Korea and China greater than ever: Japan

The Hindu  

China and Russia’s joint military activities around Japan are of “grave concern” and North Korea poses a greater threat than ever, Tokyo’s Defence Ministry said Friday, July 12, 2024. North Korea, meanwhile, which often conducts missile tests in Japan’s direction, poses a “more grave and imminent threat to Japan’s national security than ever before”. ‘Strategic challenge’ This year’s paper noted …

US Indo-Pacific commander is ‘very concerned’ about escalation of China-Russia military ties
1 year ago

US Indo-Pacific commander is ‘very concerned’ about escalation of China-Russia military ties

Associated Press  

TOKYO — The head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Monday he is “very concerned” about increased joint military actions by China and Russia in the region. He urged China to stop escalating maritime confrontations with its neighbors, and said its increasing military activity with Russia is a serious concern during Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Chinese and Russian bombers had …

U.S., Japan and South Korea Boost Alliance to Counter China, North Korea
1 year, 4 months ago

U.S., Japan and South Korea Boost Alliance to Counter China, North Korea

Live Mint  

CAMP DAVID, Md.—The U.S., Japan and South Korea took a significant step on Friday toward creating a bulwark against common threats from China and North Korea, forging a sturdier three-way alliance to bolster security. “This is a new era of partnership," Biden said at a press conference on Camp David’s wooded grounds, standing alongside the South Korean and Japanese leaders. …

From Follower to Leader: Japan’s Emergence as a Fully-Fledged Regional Security Actor
1 year, 5 months ago

From Follower to Leader: Japan’s Emergence as a Fully-Fledged Regional Security Actor

The Diplomat  

Japan no longer needs U.S. pressure to undertake a radical expansion in its defense capabilities and security commitments. Japan, like other regional allies of the United States such as South Korea and Australia, realizes that it has to “step up” to maintain the military power balance in the region, given the decline in U.S. power relative to its main protagonist …

US defense chief calls China’s refusal to meet unfortunate during visit to Tokyo for talks
1 year, 6 months ago

US defense chief calls China’s refusal to meet unfortunate during visit to Tokyo for talks

Associated Press  

TOKYO — U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stressed the importance of communication during a stopover Thursday in Tokyo, calling it unfortunate that his Chinese counterpart is refusing to meet him at an upcoming annual security conference in Singapore, which both men are attending. Noting China’s increasingly assertive military actions in international airspace and waterways in the region, he told …

Japan PM Kishida wants to abolish nuclear arms but build military
1 year, 7 months ago

Japan PM Kishida wants to abolish nuclear arms but build military

Al Jazeera  

Kishida may become the leader most singularly responsible for cementing Japan’s turn away from decades of pacifism. In December, Kishida, a longtime opponent of nuclear weapons whose electoral seat is in Hiroshima, announced plans to double military spending over the next five years to 2 percent of gross domestic product, representing the biggest shake-up in the country’s security posture since …

G7 diplomats to grapple with Ukraine, China, N. Korea crises
1 year, 8 months ago

G7 diplomats to grapple with Ukraine, China, N. Korea crises

Associated Press  

KARUIZAWA, Japan — Russian threats to nuke Ukraine. China is seen as one of the few nations that might influence Russia’s moves in Ukraine, and the foreign policy alignment between the world’s two largest autocracies will be a major focus in Karuizawa. “Japan’s leadership sees cooperation on security issues related to Ukraine as a possible avenue towards greater security cooperation …

Japan, China push opposing visions in top-level visits
1 year, 9 months ago

Japan, China push opposing visions in top-level visits

Associated Press  

BANGKOK — Asia’s stake in Europe’s war was made crystal clear Tuesday when the leaders of the region’s two richest countries sat in the capitals of Russia and Ukraine in strong shows of support for the opposing sides. “It shows that there is more Asian skin in the game than many people may have thought.. As Xi is holding hands …

Why India-Japan Ties Are Immune To Mutual Disagreements On Russia-Ukraine War
1 year, 9 months ago

Why India-Japan Ties Are Immune To Mutual Disagreements On Russia-Ukraine War

The Quint  

Indian and Japanese responses to Russia’s war in Ukraine have differed and Prime Minister Kishida, as this year’s chair of the G-7, will look to garner some support for the grouping’s strong opposition to the Ukraine conflict from G-20 chair Prime Minister Modi. The meeting of G-20 Foreign Ministers in New Delhi earlier this month ended without a consensus on …

Japan, South Korea renew ties at Tokyo summit
1 year, 9 months ago

Japan, South Korea renew ties at Tokyo summit

The Hindu  

Japan and South Korea agreed to resume regular visits between their leaders and take steps to resolve a trade dispute during a highly anticipated summit in Tokyo on Thursday, in what Japan’s Prime Minister called a “big step” to rebuild the two nations’ security and economic ties as they try to overcome a century of difficult history. Pyongyang’s missiles Japanese …

NATO chief urges closer ties with Japan to defend democracy
1 year, 10 months ago

NATO chief urges closer ties with Japan to defend democracy

Associated Press  

TOKYO — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg sharply criticized China on Tuesday for “bullying its neighbors and threatening Taiwan” and stressed the need for Japan and other democracies to work together with the alliance to defend the international order. Calling it a “critical moment for NATO and for Japan,” Stoltenberg, who is visiting Tokyo, said China and Russia are “leading an …

Japan, US and Europe must act together on China, PM Kishida says
1 year, 11 months ago

Japan, US and Europe must act together on China, PM Kishida says

Al Jazeera  

If Russia’s use of force against Ukraine goes ‘unchallenged, it will happen elsewhere in the world, including Asia’, Japan’s prime minister says. Japan, the United States and Europe must act in unison on China, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in Washington, DC, during a visit aimed at enhancing Tokyo’s alliance with the US in the face of growing challenges …

Japan racks up new security deals with eyes on China
1 year, 11 months ago

Japan racks up new security deals with eyes on China

Firstpost  

The government unveiled a major defence overhaul in December, including doubling spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027 and designating China the ‘greatest strategic challenge ever’ to Japan’s security Tokyo, Japan: Space defence, US troop deployments and a “hugely significant” deal with Britain: Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is collecting more than souvenirs on his whirlwind diplomatic tour. …

Revamped US-Japan military alliance spells trouble for China
1 year, 11 months ago

Revamped US-Japan military alliance spells trouble for China

Hindustan Times  

Since the 1962 war, China assiduously cultivated ties with India’s neighbours barring Bhutan to encircle the world’s largest democracy and use them to inhibit New Delhi’s legitimate global role. By reaffirming that article V of the Japan-US security treaty applies to China contested Senkaku Islands and bolstering the US military presence in Okinawa’s Yonaguni Islands, just 120 km from Taiwan, …

Japan’s national security strategy is good news for Indo-Pacific
1 year, 11 months ago

Japan’s national security strategy is good news for Indo-Pacific

Hindustan Times  

After demonstrating decisive leadership in shaping Indo-Pacific’s geoeconomic architecture, Tokyo is now making a compelling case on security. Months of intense domestic debate on shoring up deterrence has culminated into the first revision of the NSS, alongside the unveiling of National Defence Strategy and the Defense Build-up Program. While the domestic conversation between the Liberal Democratic Party and its junior …

Why Japan’s 3 Upcoming Security Documents Are So Important
2 years ago

Why Japan’s 3 Upcoming Security Documents Are So Important

The Diplomat  

The government of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio plans to revise the nation’s most important defense and diplomacy documents in mid-December in reaction to what he described as an “increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan.” Specifically, the Kishida administration will update the nation’s three key security documents – the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Program Guidelines, and the Medium-Term …

2022: The Year Japan and Germany Became ‘Normal’ Countries
2 years ago

2022: The Year Japan and Germany Became ‘Normal’ Countries

The Diplomat  

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 can be seen as an epilogue to the Cold War, with Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking to renew the country’s former glory by reasserting its Soviet-era sphere of influence. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made this clear by noting in a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue this past summer his “strong …

2022: The Year Japan and Germany Became ‘Normal’ Countries
2 years ago

2022: The Year Japan and Germany Became ‘Normal’ Countries

The Diplomat  

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 can be seen as an epilogue to the Cold War, with Russian President Vladimir Putin seeking to renew the country’s former glory by reasserting its Soviet-era sphere of influence. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio made this clear by noting in a keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue this past summer his “strong …

Japan Unveils Biggest Military Build-up Since World War Two, But Why? EXPLAINED
2 years ago

Japan Unveils Biggest Military Build-up Since World War Two, But Why? EXPLAINED

News 18  

As regional tensions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine stoke war fears, Japan on Friday unveiled its largest military buildup since World War Two with a $320 billion plan to buy missiles capable of striking China and ready it for sustained conflict. It also noted that Beijing had not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control, adding that …

Explained: Why pacifist Japan wants to augment its arms capability and defence budget
2 years ago

Explained: Why pacifist Japan wants to augment its arms capability and defence budget

Firstpost  

In a huge turn from its postwar security policy, Japan has decided to possess ‘counterstrike capability’ to preempt enemy attacks. The country also aims to double its defence spending to about two per cent of its GDP Japan this week adopted a new national security strategy that includes determination to possess “counterstrike" capability to preempt enemy attacks and double its …

EXPLAINER: Why Japan is boosting its arms capability, budget
2 years ago

EXPLAINER: Why Japan is boosting its arms capability, budget

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Japan this week adopted a new national security strategy that includes determination to possess “counterstrike” capability to preempt enemy attacks and double its spending to gain a more offensive footing and improve its resilience to protect itself from growing risks from China, North Korea and Russia. The new spending target follows the NATO standard and will eventually push …

'Military build-up doomed to fail', says China on Japan's new security policy
2 years ago

'Military build-up doomed to fail', says China on Japan's new security policy

Firstpost  

The new strategies outlined in three defence and security documents approved by Japan’s cabinet are a marked departure from post-WWII norms. They involve doubling defence spending over the next five years to 2 per cent of GDP in fiscal 2027 Beijing: After Japan unveiled a new national security plan that signals the country’s biggest military buildup since World War II, …

Japan launches biggest military build-up since World War II amid fears of being targeted by China, North Korea
2 years ago

Japan launches biggest military build-up since World War II amid fears of being targeted by China, North Korea

India TV News  

Japan national security strategy: In a major development, Japan on Friday unveiled the biggest shift in its security plan by adopting a national security strategy amid fears of being targeted by China and North Korea. The new plan, which Japan called one of the biggest shifts since World War II, includes preemptive strike capability and cruise missiles to the security …

Japan Approves Biggest Military Build-Up Since World War II To Counter Growing Threats From China: Report
2 years ago

Japan Approves Biggest Military Build-Up Since World War II To Counter Growing Threats From China: Report

ABP News  

Japan has approved its largest military buildup since World War II, declaring that China posed the "greatest strategic challenge ever" and laying out plans for a counter-strike capability supported by record defence spending, The Guardian reported. Japan will also obtain new weapons capable of striking enemy sites 1,000 kilometres away with land or sea-launched missiles, a move that some feel …

As regional threats rise, Japan eases defense-only strategy
2 years ago

As regional threats rise, Japan eases defense-only strategy

Associated Press  

TOKYO — In a major break from its strictly self-defense-only postwar principle, Japan adopted a national security strategy Friday declaring plans to possess preemptive strike capability and cruise missiles within years to give itself more offensive footing against threats from neighboring China and North Korea. Possession of the strike-back capability is “indispensable” as deterrence to discourage enemy attacks, Prime Minister …

China sends ships into Pacific amid Japan security moves
2 years ago

China sends ships into Pacific amid Japan security moves

Associated Press  

BEIJING — A squadron of Chinese Navy ships sailed through straits near Japan into the Western Pacific this week, while Beijing on Friday blasted Tokyo’s adoption of a new national security strategy putting itself on a more offensive footing — largely as a result of the perceived threat from China. The Communist Party newspaper Global Times on Friday cited unidentified …

China sends ships into Pacific amid Japan security moves
2 years ago

China sends ships into Pacific amid Japan security moves

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A squadron of Chinese Navy …

Pacifist Japan unveils unprecedented $320bn military build-up
2 years ago

Pacifist Japan unveils unprecedented $320bn military build-up

Al Jazeera  

Unthinkable under past administrations, the rapid arming of Japan has the support of about 70 percent of voters, polls say. Japan has said it would begin a once-unthinkable $320bn military build-up that would arm it with missiles capable of striking China and ready it for a sustained conflict as regional tensions and Russia’s Ukraine invasion stoke war fears. “The strategic …

Japan panel: Sweeping defense buildup, more cost unavoidable
2 years, 1 month ago

Japan panel: Sweeping defense buildup, more cost unavoidable

Associated Press  

TOKYO — A Japanese government-commissioned panel said in a report to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida that drastic defense buildup including the use of preemptive strike is “indispensable” to counter growing threats in the region. Kishida’s governing party wants to double Japan’s current defense budget to about 10 trillion in the next five years. Kishida’s governing Liberal Democratic Party cited a …

Biden sits down with Japanese and South Korean allies to talk North Korea, China
2 years, 1 month ago

Biden sits down with Japanese and South Korean allies to talk North Korea, China

Daily Mail  

Jake Sullivan said Biden would spell out an increased U.S. military presence in the region if Pyongyang continued on its escalating path Biden's national security adviser said he would press Xi on North Korea One long-range missile in October flew over the Japanese mainland President Joe Biden joined with Japan and South Korea on Sunday in condemning North Korea for …

South Korea, Japan seek better 'ties' amid North Korea missile tensions
2 years, 1 month ago

South Korea, Japan seek better 'ties' amid North Korea missile tensions

India TV News  

Highlights South Korean, Japanese leaders agreed to keep up efforts to resolve their thorny historical disputes They’re pushing to bolster security cooperation with US to better deal with N Korean nuclear threats South Korea-Japan wrangling complicated US efforts to reinforce a trilateral security alliance South Korea Japan relations : The leaders of South Korea and Japan agreed Sunday to keep …

Germany stresses increasing defense role in Indo-Pacific
2 years, 1 month ago

Germany stresses increasing defense role in Indo-Pacific

Associated Press  

TOKYO — German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday stressed his country’s increased defense cooperation with Japan and other democracies in the Indo-Pacific region faced with security challenges such as Russia’s war in Ukraine and China’s rise. Steinmeier, after holding talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, told a joint news conference that Germany and other countries “committed to freedom and …

Japan’s New Gambit to Deter China: Intermediate-Range Missiles
2 years, 3 months ago

Japan’s New Gambit to Deter China: Intermediate-Range Missiles

The Diplomat  

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has decided to begin mass production of an extended-range version of the domestically developed Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile in fiscal year 2023 in a bid to bolster its defense against China’s increasing military capabilities, according to the ministry’s budget request released on August 31. Although the Chinese government often accuses Japan of a military buildup …

Why the India-Japan ministerial is crucial
2 years, 3 months ago

Why the India-Japan ministerial is crucial

Hindustan Times  

The Indo-Pacific is front and centre in this week’s high-powered diplomacy, whether it be aligning the coordinates on geo-economics at the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework ’s ministerial meeting in Los Angeles, geo-strategy at the Quad meeting in Delhi or a series of India-Japan ministerial dialogues in Tokyo. Today, the primacy of Delhi in the Japanese security outlook is firmly entrenched, as …

Japan plans longer-range missiles to counter China, Russia
2 years, 3 months ago

Japan plans longer-range missiles to counter China, Russia

Al Jazeera  

Japan has become increasingly alarmed about China and Russia’s ambitions amid a number of territorial disputes. The procurement plan unveiled in the defence ministry’s annual budget request on Wednesday was short on detail but represents a clear departure from a decades-long range limit imposed on Japan’s constitutionally-constrained Self-Defense Force. “It is also applying pressure around Taiwan with supposed military exercises …

Japan Now Sees Russia as a Serious Security Threat
2 years, 4 months ago

Japan Now Sees Russia as a Serious Security Threat

The Diplomat  

In its latest defense white paper, Japan expressed grave concern about Russia’s continuing aggression against Ukraine and cautioned that “unilateral changes to the status quo by force” shake the foundation of the entire international order. The white paper also expressed strong concerns over Beijing’s increasing military capabilities, accusing Beijing of “relentlessly” conducting “coercive” and “unilateral” actions aimed at altering the …

Japan’s Defense Budget: Double or Nothing?
2 years, 5 months ago

Japan’s Defense Budget: Double or Nothing?

The Diplomat  

Calls have intensified for Japan to double its defense spending from 1 to 2 percent of its Gross Domestic Product in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which experts fear could embolden China to act more provocatively against Taiwan. Consequently, in April 2022 the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s panel on national security advised the Kishida administration to not …

Japan warns of rising global tension, Russia-China arms ties
2 years, 5 months ago

Japan warns of rising global tension, Russia-China arms ties

The Hindu  

Japan warned of escalating national security threats stemming from Russia’s war on Ukraine and China’s tensions with Taiwan in an annual defense paper issued Friday, as Japan tries to bolster its military capability and spending. The report calls Russia's war on Ukraine a “serious violation of international law” and raises "concerns that the effects of such unilateral changes to the …

Japan warns of rising security threats in annual defence report
2 years, 5 months ago

Japan warns of rising security threats in annual defence report

Al Jazeera  

Japan’s defence ministry has said it is alarmed at new threats from Russia and has growing worries about Taiwan, in an annual defence report that comes as Tokyo weighs an unprecedented rise in military spending. “Japan’s new defence white paper makes accusations and smears China’s defence policy, market economic development and legitimate maritime activities,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin …

Japan is examining its security and defense policy as Russia continues war in Ukraine
2 years, 5 months ago

Japan is examining its security and defense policy as Russia continues war in Ukraine

NPR  

Japan is examining its security and defense policy as Russia continues war in Ukraine Shinzo Abe, former Japanese prime minister who was killed July 11, championed for more robust defense and security policies. As NPR's international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam reports from Tokyo, those policies have recently taken on more importance in Japan. JACKIE NORTHAM, BYLINE: Low metal barricades are …

Japan vows bigger security role in Asia-Pacific to tackle threats
2 years, 6 months ago

Japan vows bigger security role in Asia-Pacific to tackle threats

Al Jazeera  

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced plans to boost his country’s diplomatic and security role in the Asia-Pacific to tackle what he described as growing threats in the region amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kishida said Japan will consider acquiring a preemptive strike capability in response to an increasingly assertive China, North Korea and now Russia – a controversial …

Leaders of officially pacifist Japan want to expand military, already one of the world’s strongest
3 years ago

Leaders of officially pacifist Japan want to expand military, already one of the world’s strongest

LA Times  

Dozens of tanks and soldiers fired explosives and machine guns in drills Monday on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, a main stronghold for a nation that is perhaps the world’s least-known military powerhouse. Just across the sea from rival Russia, Japan opened its Self Defense Force’s firing exercises to the media in a public display of firepower that coincides with …

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