The US government has welcomed the revision of the security document, which turns Japan into a so-called "counterattack capable country," with open arms.
"With the adoption of the new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy and Defense Forces Maintenance Plan program, Japan has taken bold and historic steps to strengthen and defend a free and open Indo-Pacific," said White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in a statement. highly rated.
"Japan's goal of significantly increasing defense spending will also strengthen and modernize the US-Japan alliance," he said. "As the host of the G7, we have laid the foundation for Japan's leadership in 2023."
“I am grateful to Prime Minister Kishida and Japan for their leadership around the world, including supporting Ukraine amidst Russia’s brutal war,” he said. "I congratulate Prime Minister Kishida and the Japanese people on Japan's historic new national security strategy."
Enlarge Image
This is not a welcome, but almost a compliment. To be honest, from the standpoint of the United States, Japan, which is willing to spend a huge amount of defense money to contain China, the only hegemonic competitor, and deter North Korea, which is a nuisance, cannot look pretty.
For the United States, which has emphasized the maintenance of peace in the region through alliances, it has gained justification and practical benefits at the same time.
Profits from sales of weapons such as Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of more than 1,250 km, which Japan has announced its intention to introduce, will be a bonus.
Japan, uneasy with only the shield... I'll have a window too
Japan was able to possess counterattack capabilities recognized by the United Nations as a self-defense level, but over the past 70 years, it has maintained its position that it does not possess it as a policy decision.
This is in accordance with the traditional division of roles of the US-Japan alliance, which is the axis of Japanese security policy.
When Japan is attacked, it is a system in which the U.S. military equipped with strike capability retaliates instead.
However, with this revision, it seems that Japan will have both a spear and a shield, away from the structure of relying on the spear of the US military to focus on the role of a shield.
In order to have a counterattack capability equivalent to a spear, a long-range strike weapon is essential, and even the 'Type 12 surface-to-ship guided missile', which is said to have the longest range among ground-launched missiles currently possessed by the Self-Defense Force, has a range of only tens of kilometers.
This is because this guided missile was also intended to hit enemy ships approaching Japan with the intention of attack, not the origin strike.
In order to secure counterattack capability, Japan plans to promote the introduction of US-made Tomahawks, increase the range of surface-to-ship guided missiles to more than 1,000 km, and improve them so that they can be launched from fighters and ships.
In addition, security documents include expansion of combat continuity capabilities such as securing guided missiles and ammunition, improvement of comprehensive missile defense capabilities, improvement of reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, improvement of space and cyber capabilities, establishment of a permanent integrated command within the Self-Defense Forces, and review of defense industry development and defense equipment export deregulation. stipulated.
In a word, it can be seen as trying to transform the Self-Defense Forces into an organization capable of conducting war.
North Korea as an excuse for Japan's rearmament
It's like taking a step towards a country where the war that former Japanese Prime Minister Abe dreamed of is possible, and one of the reasons for that is North Korea's provocation.
Japan described North Korea as "a graver and more imminent threat than before" in its National Security Strategy.
Every time a North Korean missile test, Japan reacted sensitively, and especially this year, when a North Korean missile penetrated the Japanese archipelago, it sounded a warning siren and evacuated the residents.
Of course, this change in Japan's security policy is not only because of North Korea.
Just look at describing China as "the biggest strategic challenge ever" and Russia as "a strong security concern."
The US attitude that emphasizes alliances in regional security issues must have had a significant impact on Japan's policy decisions.
However, unlike China and Russia, which are close to potential threats, North Korea's provocations are regarded as direct threats.
It can be seen from the fact that Japan has joined the Security Council as an interested party whenever the UN Security Council is held due to North Korea's ballistic missile launch.
It is no different from internationally recognizing Japan as a country that needs to respond to the North Korean threat.
Prime Minister Kishida, as if conscious of the intensifying arms race in Northeast Asia following the strengthening of defense capabilities and criticism from China and North Korea, said that the ability to counterattack is based on the principle of “exclusive defense” (專守防衛) based on the Peace Constitution, that is, the exercise of defense capability only in case of attack. He said he would use it.
“Within the scope of the Constitution, Japan’s actions as a peaceful country, adherence to the three non-nuclear principles, and adherence to total defense will not change in the future,” he said.
However, there are still concerns that Japan's action may be an intermediate point on the way to a 'warable country'.
If North Korea's provocations continue in the new Cold War atmosphere of competition between the US and China, Japan's rearmament will inevitably become easier and faster.
North Korea will not want them to be used by the Japanese right wing either.
Raising the threat level in Northeast Asia, which is already on the verge, doesn't help anyone.
(Photo = Getty Image Korea)