Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Proposes Increasing Defense Spending from 1% to 2% of GDP Within 5 Years

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has decided to propose to the government a plan to raise defense spending, currently within 1% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to over 2% within the next five years.

According to Kyodo News on the 16th, the LDP's Security Council plans to propose a draft recommendation including this content in relation to the "National Security Strategy," a long-term guideline for foreign and security policy that the Japanese government intends to revise by the end of this year.

The LDP's position is to increase Japan's defense budget to over 2% within five years, keeping in mind that NATO member countries have set a target of securing defense spending at 2% or more of GDP.

Japan's defense budget for fiscal year 2022 was 5.45 trillion yen (approximately 53.8 trillion won) based on the main budget, which is 0.96% of GDP.

NHK reported that since NATO member countries' defense budgets also include coastal guard budgets and others, applying the same standard would put Japan's defense spending at about 1.24% of GDP last year.

Regarding this, Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that there are cautious opinions within the party about the heavy financial burden, so the original plan, including the target achievement timeline, may be revised.

The LDP Security Council also addressed the issue of possessing "enemy base strike capability," which involves destroying enemy missile launch bases for self-defense purposes, stating, "Due to the rapid changes and evolution in missile technology, there is concern that interception alone may not be sufficient to defend Japan."

They further demanded, "From the perspective of 'exclusive defense,' we should possess enemy base strike capability and not limit the targets to bases but also include command and control functions."

If Japan decides to possess enemy base strike capability and enhances and operates long-range missiles, there are concerns that the exclusive defense principle maintained since World War II could effectively be nullified.

Exclusive defense is a principle that defense forces are used only after a military attack occurs and that the exercise of force is limited to the minimum necessary scope for self-defense.

Kyodo News pointed out that this could "risk deviating from exclusive defense under the pacifist constitution."

The LDP Security Council also plans to request a name change for "enemy base strike capability," but has not reached a conclusion and will conduct further review.

In addition, they plan to propose to the government a reexamination of the "Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment," which regulate defense equipment export rules, in response to changes in the international situation.

The Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment, decided by the Cabinet in April 2014 during the Abe Shinzo administration, stipulate that when exporting or providing defense equipment, it must contribute to Japan's security, ensure transparency, and undergo strict prior screening. They also prohibit providing defense equipment to parties involved in conflicts sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.

However, the LDP's original plan defines the export of defense equipment as a national policy and suggests considering military support, including the transfer of lethal equipment, to countries under invasion such as Ukraine.

The LDP plans to finalize the recommendation on the National Security Strategy after internal discussions next week and submit it to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in late this month.

The Japanese government plans to revise three security-related documents, including the National Security Strategy, the Outline of Defense Programs (Defense Program Outline), and the Mid-Term Defense Program, by the end of this year.

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