Japan has approved a new security strategy, which will boost its national defense spending. It's been widely seen as aimed at China, as well as potential threats from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he aims to boost Tokyo's standing as a contributor to global peace and security, amid suspicion among neighboring countries on what Japan has claimed.
Japan’s cabinet has approved a new national security strategy on Tuesday.
Beefing up its defense spending over the next five years, reenforcing its defenses with hardwares including drones, aircraft and amphibious vehicles.
Tokyo is also aiming to build a new amphibious force, similar to the US Marines, capable of retaking islands.
The announcement comes weeks after China declared its new air defense identification zone (ADIZ) which over laps with Japan’s.
"This new security strategy will show Japan’s diplomatic and security policy to the Japanese people, as well as the international community, with clarity and transparency. Through international cooperation and our ’proactive’ peace policy, we will continue our effort to make even more of a contribution to international peace and stability." Abe said.
Analysts say it was apparent that Tokyo shifted its priorities from northern Japan to the East China Sea.
"Taking into consideration the recent security situation - for example the case of North Korean missiles, or the current tension in the East China Sea - we believe we have shown our position, that the safety and security environment is changing and Japan needs to resolve issues head-on." Japanese defense minister Itsunori Onodera said.
Many worry that tensions in East China sea is already heightened and military build up in both sides would only raise risk of conflict.
"Japan should ask what is the best security measure for the country. Maintaining a healthy relation with China would be the most sound solution for Japan’s security." Columnist Mo Bang-fu said.
Reporter: "Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has accelerated his move to strengthen Japan’s security, even with the risk of loosing considerable amount of public support. Setting up National Security Council, the new security strategy and issues on whether to change Japan’s pacifist constitution still to be debated next year. Experts fear that these recent events would slim chance for dialogue between Tokyo and Beijing.”Source: Xinhua
