Kishida Possesses Tactical Strike Capability, "Under Review from Various Perspectives"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on the 12th that he "wants to review from various perspectives" regarding the possession of "enemy base strike capability."

Prime Minister Kishida made this remark in response to a related question from Tetsuro Fukuyama, secretary-general of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, during the House of Councillors plenary session that morning.

He said, "The government has so far been maintaining a ballistic missile defense system, but at the same time, there is a concern about whether simply improving interception capabilities can truly protect the lives of the people and their peaceful lives."

Kishida added, "Recently, it seems that the development of hypersonic glide weapons and missiles flying on irregular trajectories is progressing around our country. Based on such circumstances, the government wants to review missile defense capabilities from various perspectives, including more effective measures."

This implies mentioning the need to consider the possession of enemy base strike capability, which has been actively discussed in Japan since the Abe Shinz? cabinet last year, based on the development of hypersonic missiles by neighboring countries such as North Korea.

Enemy base strike capability refers to possessing long-range precision strike means to attack enemy missile launch bases and the like.

There are also criticisms that this contradicts the principle of exclusive self-defense (where defense force can only be exercised if attacked), based on Article 9 of the Japanese Peace Constitution, which stipulates renouncing war as a means of resolving disputes and not possessing war potential.

Regarding questions about the Senkaku Islands (Chinese name Diaoyu Islands), Kishida responded, "The Senkaku Islands are historically and under international law our country's inherent territory," and "there is no territorial issue to be resolved concerning these islands from the outset."

The Senkaku Islands, effectively controlled by Japan, are a disputed territory between Japan and China. The Japanese government has protested to China over Chinese vessels intruding into Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands.

Kishida said, "At the last summit meeting, I frankly raised our country's concerns to President Xi Jinping," and "Going forward, we will continue to assert what needs to be asserted and strongly demand concrete actions by utilizing high-level (talk) opportunities, while calmly and resolutely responding in cooperation with related countries including the United States."

Regarding the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, he explained, "We are assuming and preparing to start as early as December."

Prime Minister Kishida also stated about economic measures responding to COVID-19 that he "wants to realize cash payments to the public," and regarding the ruling coalition partner Komeito's proposal to pay 100,000 yen (about 1 million won) per child up to 18 years old, he said he "does not oppose" it.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.