Why 'Pacifist' Japan Has China Worried
Summary
Japan is increasing its defense efforts and working more closely with U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region. China is concerned about these changes, calling them a remilitarization of Japan, which has a pacifist constitution that renounces war. Japan’s recent moves include boosting defense spending, sharing weapons with partners, and strengthening its presence near Taiwan.Key Facts
- Japan’s postwar constitution bans traditional military forces and war as a sovereign right.
- Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could justify Japan’s defense forces using force with allies.
- China reacted to Japan’s stance by reducing some flights to Japan and limiting exports of rare-earth materials.
- Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reinterpreted Japan’s constitution to allow limited collective self-defense and created a National Security Council.
- Japan raised its defense budget to 2 percent of GDP earlier than planned.
- Japan is deploying missile systems to remote islands near Taiwan, which China opposes.
- Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi supports joint defense efforts and cooperation with U.S. allies and partners.
- Japan is strengthening its military ties with the Philippines by discussing the transfer of retired Japanese warships.
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