Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has signaled a significant shift in Japan’s security policy, marking a departure from the nation’s postwar pacifist stance. Speaking to the U.S. Congress, Kishida highlighted the strengthened alliance between Japan, the U.S., and Australia, announcing new security deals touted as \"the most significant upgrade\" since the alliance's inception.
U.S. President Joe Biden echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the creation of a networked system of air, missile, and defense architecture, and the establishment of a trilateral military exercise with Japan and the United Kingdom. A historic agreement also includes plans for a Japanese astronaut to journey to the moon as part of a joint U.S. mission, reinforcing the collaborative efforts between the two nations.
This policy shift is underscored by Japan's recent revision of the \"three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology,\" allowing the export of lethal weapons for the first time. While this move has garnered strong support from the U.S., it has sparked domestic protests among Japanese residents concerned about closer military cooperation and the potential move toward increased militarization.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has called on Japan to respect regional security concerns and reflect on its historical actions, advocating for peaceful development and trust-building within the international community. Experts, like Liu Jiangyong from Tsinghua University, warn that Japan's trajectory toward a military-industrial complex could mirror past patterns of militarization.
As Japan navigates this new path, the global community watches closely, balancing strategic alliances with regional stability.
Reference(s):
Analysis: What's behind Japan's shift on its security policy?
cgtn.com
