Japan ramping up defence is 'critical' to prevent war, defence minister tells BBC
Summary
Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan must strengthen its defence to prevent war in the region. He highlighted building stronger ties with the United States and other countries, changing old rules on weapons exports, and adapting Japan’s pacifist constitution to new security challenges.Key Facts
- Japan wants to increase its defence abilities and change its pacifist stance from after World War Two.
- The country has relaxed rules to allow arms sales to 17 countries, including the US and UK.
- Australia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and New Zealand have shown interest in Japanese warships.
- Japan’s defence spending is rising due to concerns about China’s growing power and North Korea’s missile tests.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports changing Article 9 of Japan’s constitution, which forbids war and maintaining military forces.
- Japan sees China’s military actions near Taiwan and the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands as the biggest security threat.
- Defence Minister Koizumi denies Japan is starting “militarism” and says China’s weapon buildup worries the world.
- Despite tensions, Japan wants to keep diplomatic talks going with China.
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