Japan starts to shift away from pacifist stance over fears about North Korean and Chinese activities
- Tokyo is discussing ways to develop its offensive capabilities to hit back in the event of an attack
- China’s growing assertiveness and North Korea’s recent missile test have intensified the debate about the country’s defence policy
In recent months the government has discussed ways of conducting missile counter-strikes to deter or respond to any attack, with further talks planned, Kyodo News reported last week.
The closed-door discussions came amid a broader shift in the country, with policymakers and the political leadership rethinking its military abilities.
On Monday, Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi said his ministry would consider requesting a larger budget for the next financial year to “drastically” increase its ability to deal with China’s intensifying military assertiveness and North Korea’s renewed missile and nuclear threats.
And late last month, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told a graduation ceremony for the country’s defence academy that he would not rule out fundamental changes to defence policy, according to The Straits Times.
Kyodo reported that Japan was considering making changes to its security strategy this year, including an overhaul of the National Security Strategy, which outlines its national interests and objectives.
It currently favours engagement with China saying: “Japan will continue to encourage China to play a responsible and constructive role for the sake of regional peace, stability and prosperity.”