Japan has announced on Friday it will double its military spending in the next five years, as the country unveiled a new national security plan that signals the country’s biggest military buildup since World War II.
Not only that, it will also acquire the ability to strike enemy bases. Under the plan, Tokyo will buy US long-range missiles capable of destroying enemy launch sites if it is attacked.
Owning the US long-range missiles will also increase its cyber warfare capabilities.
Earlier this week, Beijing urged Tokyo to view their relationship as a cooperative partnership.
Under the plan, Tokyo will buy US long-range missiles capable of destroying enemy launch sites if it is attacked.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida commented on the new military discount plan and development:
‘Unfortunately in the vicinity of our country, there are countries carrying out activities such as enhancement of nuclear capability, a rapid military build-up and unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force,’ he said.
‘These are also now becoming more outstanding. In the next five years, in order to fundamentally reinforce our defence capabilities we will implement a defence build-up programme worth 43 trillion yen ($314bn; £257bn).’
A national security strategy document approved by the cabinet and quoted by AFP news agency described China as “the greatest strategic challenge ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan”.
China’s embassy in Japan responded by accusing Tokyo of making false claims about its military activities.
There are also concerns in Japan about North Korea’s missile capability.
Pyongyang has fired more than 50 missiles over the past three months, including a ballistic missile over Japan in October – the first time for five years.
Meanwhile the Japanese document described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “serious violation of laws that forbid the use of force” which had “shaken the foundations of the international order”.
