As the government aims to drastically strengthen its defense capabilities, the Fiscal System Council, an advisory body to the Minister of Finance, held a discussion on the topic of defense spending on the 28th with the participation of security experts. We exchanged opinions about the way of this and financial resources to support it.
At the meeting on the 28th, Professor Ken Jimbo of Keio University, who studies security policy, and former Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Katsutoshi Kawano participated as experts.
Of these, Professor Jimbo pointed out that the point is not to compete on the scale of defense build-up, but to develop capabilities that will make the other country hesitate to invade Japan.
Former Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff Kono also expressed the opinion that, given that Japan is a maritime nation, it is necessary to proceed with the development of defense capabilities in anticipation of a Taiwan crisis.
Regarding the increase in defense spending, some members of the council said, ``Funding is limited, and it is important to focus on high-priority projects.'' It is necessary for the Ministry of Defense to make efforts to reform itself, such as reviewing it."
At a press conference after the meeting, Hiroya Masuda, deputy chairman of the subcommittee of the Fiscal System Council, said, "Since it is difficult to reduce defense spending once it is increased, it is important to secure stable financial resources. Understanding is essential, and we need to have the government explain Japan's defense strategy properly."