International Politics Dominating 'Law of the Jungle'... China and Japan Obsessed with Military Buildup

Japan Moves to Revise 'Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment'... "Easing Export Conditions"
Chinese Communist Party Constitution Commentary Mentions Military Buildup and Taiwan Issue

On September 28, during the joint military exercise between Germany and Japan, a formation of F-2 fighter jets belonging to the Japan Self-Defense Forces and Eurofighter jets from the German Air Force flew over Mount Fuji in Japan. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Movements to strengthen defense capabilities to establish a strategic environment have been detected in China and Japan. First, the Japanese government, which is promoting the enhancement of defense capabilities, is actively considering easing the conditions for exporting defense equipment. According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 6th, the government plans to specify this policy in the revised National Security Strategy currently under discussion within the ruling party and aims to implement related detailed provisions next year.

The core issues are the revision of the three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and the Self-Defense Forces Act. These principles, established during the Shinzo Abe Cabinet in April 2014, stipulate that defense equipment must undergo strict prior screening when exported or provided.

Specifically, defense equipment can only be transferred if it contributes to Japan's security and transparency is ensured. Additionally, when a country that co-developed weapons with Japan exports them to a third country, prior consent from Japan is required. Furthermore, defense equipment cannot be provided to parties involved in conflicts sanctioned by the United Nations Security Council.

However, the current government plans to change these guidelines to expand the range of used defense equipment eligible for export. Until now, these items were limited to used goods intended for disaster response and intelligence gathering, but this time, weapons such as tanks and missiles will be added.

Moreover, the clause prohibiting the transfer of defense equipment to parties involved in conflicts will be revised so that it does not apply to countries subjected to unjust aggression. The Japanese government explains that this is to support countries attacked in situations like Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

On August 4th, in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, Chinese military helicopters began military exercises and are flying over Pingtan Island in Fujian Province, China, adjacent to Taiwan. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On the same day, a similar trend of military strengthening appeared in China. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 6th, the Chinese Communist Party mentioned this in a commentary (Q&A) explaining the amendments to the Party Constitution made at the 20th National Congress held last month.

The commentary emphasizes the importance of strengthening defense capabilities to protect overseas interests. The Party pointed out that "international politics still follows the 'law of the jungle,' dominated by the will of the strong," and that "a lagging military is fatal to national security."

It added, "At a time when China is moving toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, concerns about national security have become historically broader and more complex than ever."

It further argued, "Overseas security has become a major issue that we must resolve," and stressed the need to elevate military power to the world's highest level. The Party stated, "The military must guarantee China's goals," and added, "In the face of complex and profound changes in the national security environment and international strategic landscape, it is essential to build a solid defense and a strong military."

Attention is also drawn to the emphasis on maintaining a constant state of readiness regarding the Taiwan Strait. According to SCMP, the revised constitution newly includes the phrase "firmly oppose and deter Taiwan independence."

In the commentary, Xu Qiliang, former First Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, said, "The People's Liberation Army must resolutely crush attempts at Taiwan independence and foreign interference and prepare for a rapid transition from peacetime to wartime."

He emphasized, "To ensure that the military is always ready to fight, it must maintain a high level of readiness at all times, like a fully drawn bow." He also stated, "China must make good use of the strategic deterrence provided by nuclear weapons in competition with major powers," and "strengthening strategic capabilities can effectively deter enemies."

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