Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced a significant shift in the country’s defense posture in response to rising geopolitical tensions around the world. In an interview with CNN, Kishida stated that Japan is facing a “historic turning point” as it witnesses Russian aggression in Ukraine, growing security challenges in the Middle East and East Asia, and increasing regional threats.
Kishida highlighted the importance of strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and emphasized the crucial role of the Japan-US alliance in addressing these challenges. He stated that Japan has made the decision to fundamentally enhance its defense capabilities and has revised its security policy accordingly.
The upcoming summit between Kishida and US President Joe Biden in Washington is seen as a pivotal moment for both countries to modernize their alliance and address regional threats, including North Korea’s weapons tests, China’s actions in the South China Sea, and Russian ties with Kim Jong Un.
Under Kishida’s leadership, Japan has moved away from its pacifist past and is increasing defense spending to around 2% of its GDP by 2027. This shift is aimed at developing Japan’s deterrence and response capabilities in the face of a “serious and complex” security environment in East Asia.
The alliance between Japan and the United States is becoming stronger than ever, according to Kishida, who also expressed a desire to deepen ties with other US regional partners, such as the Philippines. The prime minister emphasized the importance of promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the international community through cooperation with allies and partners.
Kishida also addressed concerns about North Korea’s aggressive weapons testing program and Russia’s military activities, calling for a strong international community based on the rule of law. He expressed a willingness to work with the United States and other allies to create an atmosphere of cooperation and move the international community forward.