The government decided on three documents, including the "National Security Strategy," at an extraordinary cabinet meeting.
In order to deal with the enemy's ballistic missile attack, the possession of "counterattack capability" to hit the launch base etc. will be clearly stated, and it will be a big shift in Japan's security policy.
Domestic and international reactions.
Defense Minister Hamada ``I took a big responsibility even if the results came to fruition''
On the evening of the 16th, Minister of Defense Hamada held a meeting of officials from the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces, saying, "The results of our collective deliberations have come to fruition. The total amount of the development plan, which amounts to 43 trillion yen, has achieved a drastic strengthening of our defense capabilities. It is capable of fulfilling its mission of defending our country," he said.
After that, he said, ``It is true that we have taken on a great responsibility, and we need to continue our efforts to gain the understanding and cooperation of the people,'' and instructed them to fulfill their accountability to the people.
Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Chairman Hagiuda "First step to create a system that can protect the people"
Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Chairman Hagiuda told reporters after the meeting of the ruling party's policy leaders, ``I clearly wrote about the counterattack ability, which was a weak concept until now. When it is confirmed that there is a clear intention to attack Japan, it is necessary to prepare as soon as possible in order to protect the lives and property of the people. I would like to evaluate that I was able to take the first step in making it."
Komei Takagi Policy Research Chairman "Confirmed response within the framework of exclusive defense"
Komeito Policy Research Council Chairman Takagi told reporters after a meeting of ruling party policymakers, "In the face of the most severe and complex security environment since the war, it is the ability to fight back to protect the lives and property of the people. It is allowed, and it has been confirmed that we will respond within the framework of the exclusive defense that our country has protected so far, so I appreciate it."
Limin's statement "Debate in the Diet, written without national consensus, unacceptable"
The Constitutional Democratic Party has issued a statement pointing out the problems with the three documents.
In the statement, without a concrete explanation from the government, debate in the Diet, or national consensus, it stated that it would "possess counterattack capability" and "2% of GDP for defense spending" that would change the defense policy so far. What you have done is a big problem and unacceptable.
Regarding the "counterattack capability" that the government claimed to possess, it is realistically difficult to make an accurate judgment on launching an attack against Japan, and there is a high risk that it will be regarded as a preemptive attack. In addition to not denying the attack on , it is said that it cannot agree with the possibility of deviating from exclusive defense.
Regarding the defense budget, while it is possible that a certain amount of increase is possible as a result of accumulating the necessary budget, the government's policy of increasing it to about 43 trillion yen over five years is ``number-based'' and lacks rationality. It criticizes that it is out of the question, saying that it is doing a "defense tax increase" including a special income tax for reconstruction without showing a concrete plan.
He also points out that the three documents are a major shift in security policy, and that explanations and discussions to the public and the Diet are absolutely necessary.
Representative Izumi Ritsumin "Strong protest against Prime Minister Kishida's reckless behavior"
Izumi, head of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters in Tokyo, "With Prime Minister Kishida's reckless drive, Japan's security policy is about to change dramatically. The amount of 43 trillion yen was decided over five years, and a tax increase was decided, while it was unclear how much the defense force would be strengthened.The people will not allow it, and the Constitutional Democratic Party will strongly protest."
Ishin Secretary-General Fujita "A certain evaluation Very difficult discussion Impression of postponement"
The Japan Restoration Party has issued a statement requesting withdrawal of the tax hike to finance the increase in defense spending, arguing that it was not mentioned as a pledge of the Liberal Democratic Party in the previous House of Councilors election.
At a press conference, Secretary-General Fujita said, "It's strange to arbitrarily decide something that is related to the foundation of national management. With the security environment undergoing drastic changes, we have no choice but to increase defense spending, but we should not rely on tax increases as a source of funding. Instead, we should cut spending through administrative and fiscal reforms and shift to a growth-oriented tax system."
On the other hand, with regard to the three documents such as the "National Security Strategy", Secretary-General Fujita said, "I would like to give a certain evaluation to the fact that they have stepped into the counterattack capability, but the definition of 'exclusive defense' and 'minimum necessary' and the actual operation I have the impression that we are postponing very difficult discussions, such as simulations of acceptable ranges in anticipation."
Communist Shii Chairman ``Extremely dangerous content, firm opposition, immediate withdrawal''
Communist Party Chairman Shii said at a press conference, "This is an extremely dangerous content that completely abandons the exclusively defensive policy and turns Japan into a war-torn state. It is also possible to question the public's trust in elections for a document calling for a major shift in post-war security policy. "There was no proper deliberation in the Diet, and it was forced by a cabinet decision. We strongly oppose it and demand an immediate withdrawal."
On top of that, he said, "Stepping into possessing the ability to attack enemy bases is a complete abandonment of the exclusively defensive policy. They are trying to gather everything they can for military expenses, and the danger of a large increase in the consumption tax has become a reality. I think it will come, but we must not let Japan become a country where the military prospers and the people perish."
National Security Research Council Chairman Maehara "Mostly reflected the idea I proposed"
The Democratic Party for the People released a statement by Maehara, chairman of the National Security Research Council, saying, "We were able to fulfill a certain role as a public party, accepting that the ideas proposed by the party were largely reflected."
On the other hand, regarding the plan to increase the defense budget to about 43 trillion yen over five years, he said, "We can't help but say that it is a discussion of 'scale comes first,' and that part of the financial resources will be covered by tax increases without going through debate in the Diet. I can't help but feel suspicion."
Social Democrats Secretary-General Hattori "I can't admit that the peace constitution will be virtually destroyed"
The Social Democratic Party released a statement by Secretary-General Hattori, saying, "Accepting the possession of 'the ability to attack enemy bases' called 'counterattack capability' effectively breaks the pacifist constitution and completely deviates from the exclusively defense-oriented policy. "This is a very significant change in direction to become a military power that goes to war with the United States, and we absolutely cannot accept it."
Regarding the increase in defense spending, he said, "We have proposed a large increase in corporate tax, income tax, and tobacco tax, which has caused great anger among the people. We are firmly opposed to the military expansion budget."
US President Biden "Welcome Japan's contribution"
U.S. President Biden tweeted early on the 16th, Japan time on the evening of the 16th, "America stands with Japan at this critical time. Our alliance is the linchpin of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and America We welcome Japan's contribution to peace and prosperity."
US Ambassador to Japan: Prime Minister Kishida ushered in a new era
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Emmanuel issued a statement on the 16th, stating, "Today, Prime Minister Kishida ushered in a new era to protect democracy. I commend Japan for its leadership in responding comprehensively to this strategic challenge. Japan It pushed the deterrence of the
He added, "We have decided to increase our defense budget to 43 trillion yen, and have made a clear and clear strategic statement about Japan's role as a provider of security in the Indo-Pacific. has strengthened Japan's position in diplomatic and political engagement with its European allies and partners."
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ``Japan ignores facts, firmly opposes''
China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a press conference on the 16th that the Japanese government had decided to issue three security-related documents describing China's movements as "the biggest strategic challenge ever." ``The Japanese side ignored the facts, went against the common understanding of both sides, and put shame on China. China strongly opposes it.''
In addition, he once again urged the Japanese side to strictly adhere to the principles of the four political documents between the two countries, and to put into action the shared recognition that they should not regard each other as a threat and position them as partners for cooperation. "A scheme to find excuses to build up military power will not go as planned," he said.
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs ``Consent is required for the exercise of 'counterattack capability' against the Korean Peninsula'
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement, stating, "It is desirable that Japan's defense and security policies adhere to the spirit of its pacifist constitution and contribute to peace and stability in the region with transparency. Defense Regarding the increase in expenses, we will keep an eye on related trends."
Regarding the ``counterattack capability,'' he said, ``Cases that seriously affect the security of the Korean Peninsula and the national interests of South Korea, such as the exercise of ``counterattack capability,'' targeting the Korean Peninsula, should be discussed in advance between Japan and South Korea. We need close consultation and agreement."
On the afternoon of the 16th, Seo Min-jung, Director General of the Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, summoned Mr. Kumagai, Minister-General of the Japanese Embassy.
South Korea's news agency Yondo News reported that Japan's "National Security Strategy" states that it will respond resolutely to the territorial issue of Takeshima in Shimane Prefecture, which is an inherent territory of Japan, based on Japan's consistent position. It is reported that Director General Seo called Takeshima "Tokuto" (Dokdo) and claimed territorial rights, and said, "We strongly protest and demand that it be removed immediately."
Taiwan's foreign ministry "appreciates and welcomes"
On the evening of the 16th, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The contents of the three documents fully express Japan's high interest in Taiwan, the Taiwan Strait situation, and the peace and stability of the international community. clearly shows, and is evaluated and welcomed."
A person who experienced the Battle of Okinawa ``Politics to avoid war''
Yoshinori Asato (92) from Kitanakagusuku Village, Okinawa Prefecture, became a child soldier at the age of 15, just before the Battle of Okinawa began 77 years ago, and lost many friends on the battlefield.
Mr. Asato survived being taken prisoner by the U.S. military, and after the war he told children about his experiences at a local school.
Regarding the Cabinet decision, Mr. Asato said, "Although a certain amount of defense is necessary, Japan must never attack. In the past, it was very unfortunate that Japan attacked China and the surrounding areas in Southeast Asia. There was."
After that, he said, ``People who have not experienced war are ignorant of peace. should be done."
Also, Rieko Tamaki (88) from Naha City, who lost her family in the Battle of Okinawa and survived being taken prisoner by the U.S. Army, lost eight members of her family, including her father and older brother, in the Battle of Okinawa. was taken prisoner of and survived.
As a storyteller, she has shared her experiences with students on school trips for nearly 20 years.
Mr. Tamaki said, "I have witnessed the sacrifice of many people, including my family members. I think that Japan as a country has not learned from the painful experience of that time. As the war approaches, I can hear the military shoes I heard during the Battle of Okinawa. It feels like it," he said.
She added, "Japan's constitution stipulates that it will never go to war, and everyone has lived in peace for more than 70 years, but there is a fear that Okinawa will become the first area to receive artillery shells. "Peace cannot continue without everyone's efforts."