Prime Minister Kishida “Financial resources for increasing defense costs Considering reserves for corona countermeasures”

At the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Kishida said that as a temporary measure to finance the increase in defense spending, after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, he would consider using the reserve fund for measures against the novel coronavirus. I expressed my intention to proceed with the discussion.

He also revealed that he has begun to develop "control procedures" for contingencies to strengthen cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard.

On the 28th, the House of Representatives Budget Committee held the second day of basic questions on the second supplementary budget for this year, and in the afternoon, the Japan Restoration Party, the Democratic Party for the People, the Communist Party, the Reiwa Shinsengumi, etc. I did.

Baba, representative of the Japan Restoration Party, commented on the three security-related documents that the government will revise by the end of the year in order to strengthen its defense capabilities. I think it's time to start holding discussions, but when will we do it?"

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, "During the deliberations of the Diet, we will explain the government's initiatives and ideas in various ways. On top of that, we will definitely coordinate discussions, including exchanges between party leaders, as soon as possible. I want to let you do it."

Representative Tamaki of the Democratic Party for the People said, "We will soon put together a fairly in-depth security strategy. Before making a cabinet decision, I would like the Democratic Party for the People to set up a forum for consultation and give us an opportunity to explain our thinking." rice field.

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, "Regarding exchanges between public parties, I have received a proposal from Mr. Baba, representative of the Japan Restoration Party. I want you to," he said.

And Prime Minister Kishida said about the financial resources for the increase in defense spending, "Even if we temporarily consider increasing tax revenues as a result of economic growth or using the reserve fund for corona countermeasures, in the discussion of defense costs, In order to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people, we must secure a solid defense force.I would like to proceed with discussions on what should be done in order to maintain and sustain a stable defense budget." rice field.

Regarding the cooperation between the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard in the event of an emergency, he said, ``The government has already started work on the preparation of the guidelines for the control of the Japan Coast Guard by the Minister of Defense in armed attack situations. I would like to clarify the government's thinking on issues that have remained unresolved for many years, such as strengthening cooperation between the Agency and the Maritime Self-Defense Force."

Furthermore, regarding "proactive cyber defense," which takes preemptive measures against cyberattacks, he said, "Efforts will be made to formulate a new national security strategy. Regarding the indication that a minister in charge should be appointed, I would like to consider what the government should do."

Takaaki Tamura of the Japanese Communist Party commented on the issue of ODA (official development assistance) being received by a group affiliated with the former Unification Church, saying, "More than 9.55 million yen will be spent on the construction of a new vocational training school building operated by the Women's Federation for World Peace in Senegal, Africa. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, how do you perceive the responsibility of providing funds, which are taxpayers' money, to anti-social groups?"

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``When providing support, at least I was not aware that there was any relationship with the former Unification Association. If there is any kind of behavior, or if there is a situation in which credit is used, the government must think about how to respond."

On the other hand, Kushibuchi, deputy secretary-general of Reiwa Shinsengumi, said, "Every time the consumption tax is increased, real wages are being cut. The number of people suffering from the consumption tax is increasing. Isn't there?"

In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, ``With the declining birthrate, we must consider broadly sharing social security costs. "I'm not thinking about tax cuts," he said.