Japan unveils biggest military build-up since World War II

Synopsis

Japan unveils plans for its biggest military buildup since World War II, aiming to double defense spending to meet NATO's standard of two percent of GDP. This shift from a self-defense-only stance is driven by perceived threats from regional neighbors, particularly China and North Korea. Japan plans to acquire long-range missiles capable of striking China, which has responded by stating that these plans undermine bilateral relations. Tomohiko Taniguchi, a professor at Ko University and former advisor to Japan's late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, emphasizes the significance of this announcement, describing it as long overdue given Japan's proximity to Russia, North Korea, and China. He notes that while Japan has traditionally maintained a pacifist stance, the escalating military actions by China and Russia necessitate this response. The buildup is seen as a necessary measure to enhance Japan's security in a rapidly changing regional landscape.