Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s recent visit to Washington, D.C. marked a significant moment in Japan’s evolving security policy. Addressing the U.S. Congress on April 11, Kishida remarked on the warm reception, noting, \”I never get such a nice applause from the Japanese Diet.\”
The visit underscored the strengthening alliance between Japan and the United States, as President Joe Biden hailed new security agreements as \”the most significant upgrade of our alliance since it was first established.\” The leaders announced plans to create a networked system of air and missile defense architecture and organize a trilateral military exercise with the United Kingdom.
In a symbolic gesture of deepening ties, the two countries agreed that a Japanese astronaut would become the first non-American to walk on the moon, joining a U.S. mission in the coming years. \”Japan has transformed from a reticent ally recovering from the devastation of World War II to a strong, committed ally looking outward to the world,\” Kishida told Congress.
In a notable departure from its postwar pacifist principles, the Japanese government in late March approved revised guidelines on the \”three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology.\” This change allows Japan to export lethal weapons it co-produces to third countries for the first time, signaling a major shift in its defense posture.
Japan’s pacifist constitution, adopted after World War II, prohibits the nation from waging war or maintaining offensive military capabilities. However, successive administrations have gradually reinterpreted these restrictions in response to regional security challenges.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged Japan to respect the security concerns of neighboring countries, calling on Tokyo to reflect on its history and commit to peaceful development. \”Japan should earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through concrete actions,\” Lin said.
Liu Jiangyong, vice dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, noted that while Japan embraced peaceful development after World War II, its recent policy shifts indicate a return to a more assertive military stance. \”As Japan’s economy has declined in recent decades, it’s beginning to consider how to revitalize its economy through military production, which is akin to drinking poison to quench thirst,\” Liu told CGTN.
Liu cautioned that government support for military research and production could lead to the formation of a military-industrial complex in Japan, similar to that of the United States.
Domestically, Kishida’s plans to enhance Japan’s military capabilities have met with mixed reactions. While the United States has affirmed its support for Japan’s efforts, including plans to increase defense spending and acquire counterstrike capabilities, public opinion in Japan appears divided.
On April 10, Japanese residents held a rally protesting further military cooperation with the United States, expressing concerns that these steps could lead the nation down an irreversible path toward conflict.
The shift in Japan’s security policy raises critical questions about the future of regional stability in East Asia. As Japan navigates its evolving role on the global stage, neighboring countries and international observers will closely watch how these changes impact the delicate balance of peace and security in the region.
Reference(s):
Analysis: What's behind Japan's shift on its security policy?
cgtn.com
