Ju-min Park, Tim Kelly

TOKYO, Reuters – Japan’s ruling party has made an unprecedented pledge to increase defence spending. This demonstrates the country’s eagerness to purchase stealth fighters and missiles to counter China’s militarization in East China Sea.

Prior to the March national elections, the Liberal Democratic Party included in their policy platform a goal for spending at least 2% of GDP (or $100 billion) on military expenditures.

An economy in crisis and Japan’s debt burden mean experts aren’t expecting Fumio to increase Japan’s spending. However, it’s a signal that Japan could lose its commitment to maintaining a military budget of 1% per year. That number was used over decades to ease concerns both at home and overseas about the revival of the militarism responsible for Japan’s entry into World War Two.

Yoichiro Sato (international relations professor at Ritsumeikan Asian University) said that LDP conservative leaders wanted the party to “give it up”. He was referring to de facto spending caps, which he described as “sacrosanct” for Japanese liberals.

He said, “They set the direction. That is what conservatives want,”

America has been pressing key allies for more defense spending; Japan would be in line with the pledges made by members of North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (NATO).

As Japan’s public mood shifts from concern about rearming, to increasing alarm over China’s military assertiveness throughout Asia, especially toward Taiwanese, the LDP has issued hawkish remarks.

A survey of 1696 respondents was conducted by business daily in the last year. 86% said China poses a threat for Japan. This is more than 82% who were concerned about North Korea’s nuclear weapons.

Robert Ward, an international researcher at The International Institute for Strategic Studies in London said: “Putting it in the manifesto means that we recognize the importance of gaining public support for necessary defence policy changes.” “The direction of travel has been determined.”

SOUTHWEST THEATRE

Japan’s military strategy focuses on protecting territory at the East China Sea edge. Tokyo and Beijing are locked in an ongoing dispute over uninhabited islands.

Okinawan, Taiwan, as well as the Philippines’ islands, form the First Island Chain. This is what military planners refer to, because it acts as a natural barrier for Chinese operations in Western Pacific.

Japan would be able to buy even more American equipment if it had $50 billion annually extra.

“The Self Defense Force has the best training and equipment, but its resilience and sustainability are one of our greatest problems,” Yoji Koda (ex-marine self defense force admiral) told Reuters.

Japan’s defense ministry is also seeking money to purchase an indigenous stealth fighter and missiles capable of striking enemy vessels and landing bases over 1,000 km (621 miles). It is also enhancing its capabilities in cyber-space and electromagnetic warfare.

“Japan is looking to develop very advanced capabilities in many areas,” Thomas Reich (OTC:PLC), the country manager of BAE Systems, stated during Tuesday’s briefing. What’s in the budget, and where it’s headed are what really draw us.

Britain’s most powerful defence firm is part of this consortium. Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:), which manufactures the F-35 fighter.

CARRYING ABE’S TORCH

Surprised observers have been surprised at the speed with which Kishida once was dovish has fallen in line to conservatives’ national security agenda. But he is carrying on policies pursued by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and supported by conservative lawmakers who helped him https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-shadow-shogun-abe-assured-clout-over-next-pm-kishida-2021-09-30 win the party leadership election last month.

Abe pursued a similar policy with small steps. He enacted security legislations to allow Japanese troops on foreign soil. A ban on exports was lifted and the constitution of war-renouncing Japan was reinterpreted to permit missile strikes against enemy territory.

However, for now the LDP pledge to increase defence spending does not specify how much extra money or when it would reach the 2% mark.

Chuck Jones, an ex-defence industry executive who is familiar with Japan’s military policies said that the real issue was whether Japan could absorb $50 billion more. It is possible that substantial sums could be spent on projects and programs doomed to fail or irrelevant.

Analysts say that the lack of details gives room for the ruling party to change course.

Tetsuo Koutani, senior researcher at Japan Institute of International Affairs said that “there is opposition even within the LDP.” We will hold an election to see if people support the LDP’s plan.