
A transport aircraft Osprey is seen during a Ground Self-Defense Force training exercise in Shizuoka Prefecture on May 28.
13:26 JST, June 4, 2022
The government has proposed drastic improvements to the nation’s defense capabilities “within five years” in the latest draft of its Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform.
The Cabinet is expected to authorize the proposal on Tuesday after securing approval from the ruling parties.
How “drastic” the improvements will be and the range of increase in defense spending were not specified in the draft, which was presented at the respective policy research council plenary sessions of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito on Friday.
An initial draft stated that defense capabilities would be “drastically strengthened” due to the increasingly severe security environment amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and unilateral changes to the status quo by force in the Indo-Pacific region. The latest draft states that defense capabilities would be “drastically strengthened within five years.”
The initial draft also included a footnote stating that NATO members are aiming for defense spending of 2% or more of GDP. The information is included in the body text in the latest draft.
In April, the LDP called for a drastic strengthening of defense capabilities within five years, in light of the defense spending targets of NATO member countries.
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the basic policy should reflect the LDP proposal at a meeting of his faction on Thursday.
The policy draft was not signed off at a plenary meeting of the LDP’s policy research council on the same day, with some members suggesting that the scope of the increase in defense spending should also be clearly stated.
Meanwhile, Komeito has left the matter in the hands of its policy chief Yuzuru Takeuchi.
"Politics" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan to Offer U.S. Proposals for Cooperation on Rare Earths, Semiconductors; Potential Measures Could Help Counter China, Correct Trade Deficit
-
Japan Defense Ministry Team to Discuss Drones, AI in Combat; Will Learn From Ukraine War, International Cooperation
-
Japan Should Avoid Solely Relying on U.S., Engage in Global Diplomacy; Strong Ties with Like-Minded Nations is Vital
-
Govt Sets 2025 Intellectual Property Strategy; Aims to Maximize Japan’s Capital Such as Anime, Manga, Games
-
Singapore Diplomat Bilahari Kausikan Says U.S. Has Long-term Competitive Strategy with China
JN ACCESS RANKING
-
Core Inflation in Japan Capital Hits 3.6%, Keeps BOJ Rate-Hike Chance Alive
-
Japanese Researchers Develop ‘Transparent Paper’ as Alternative to Plastics; New Material Is Biodegradable, Can Be Produced with Low Carbon Emissions
-
Vietnam, Thailand Aim to Grow Rice Exports to Japan
-
Japan’s Maglev Shinkansen’s Partially Completed Station Unveiled; Station Will Be Only Underground Stop Between Shinagawa, Nagoya
-
Mt. Fuji Eruption: Preparations Necessary for Widespread Ashfall