[Global Focus] 'Spear Instead of Shield'.. Japan's Pros and Cons of Having Counterattack Capability for the First Time in 70 Years

Japan Approves Revision of Three Major Security Documents
Possesses Retaliatory Capability to Attack Enemy Bases
Does Not Specify Exact Timing or Targets of Retaliation
Possibility of Korean Peninsula Involvement in Emergencies Emerges

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Japan’s military operational scope, which had focused on “exclusive defense,” is becoming more aggressive. By deciding to possess “counterattack capabilities” that can effectively carry out preemptive strikes on enemy bases, Japan has acquired the ability to initiate war. Despite the Japanese government’s explanation that actions require U.S. consent, tensions among neighboring countries, including South Korea, are rising sharply.

This change in Japan’s military operational scope was decided at a cabinet meeting on the 15th. At this meeting, revisions to the three major security documents were approved. The three major security documents refer to the “National Security Strategy,” which is the basic guideline for diplomacy and security; the “National Defense Strategy,” which outlines the role of the Self-Defense Forces and the direction of defense capability development; and the “Defense Capability Development Plan,” which details the procurement policies for specific defense equipment. The revised documents include content that fundamentally strengthens Japan’s mid- to long-term security and diplomatic strategies as well as its defense capabilities.

◆Japan’s Preemptive Strike Capability Enabled by ‘Counterattack Capability’... Transforming into a War-Capable Nation

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, the National Security Strategy explicitly included the term “counterattack capability.” Counterattack capability refers to the ability to strike military targets such as enemy missile launch bases. The Japanese government set the conditions for exercising counterattack capability as ▲ a clear threat to the nation’s existence and the lives and freedom of its people ▲ the absence of other means to protect the people ▲ and the exercise of the minimum necessary force.

However, it did not specify exactly when this capability could be used. This ambiguity means that the timing of an attack decision could be judged individually, raising the possibility of arbitrary use of force. Due to this intentional vagueness, local media as well as the international community have analyzed that Japan has legally allowed itself the capability to start a war. In response, the Japanese government insisted that “the principle of exclusive defense is not being abolished.”

Furthermore, through this revision of the security documents, the Japanese government has laid the foundation for a large-scale increase in defense capabilities. The security strategy document includes a plan to expand defense maintenance costs to 43 trillion yen (approximately 410 trillion won) over the next five years starting next year, raising defense spending from the current level of about 1% of GDP to 2%. As a result, Japan’s security strategy, which had focused on defense since its defeat in World War II, has shifted to a situation where preemptive strikes are possible for the first time in 70 years.

◆From Exclusive Defense to Counterattack Capability

Since Japan’s defeat in World War II in 1945, it has only been able to exercise minimal defensive force under the “exclusive defense” principle based on Article 9 of its Constitution. Article 9, also known as the Peace Constitution, stipulates the “perpetual renunciation of war” and the “non-possession of land, sea, and air forces,” effectively restricting Japan from using military force.

However, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who sought to break away from the postwar system, transformed Japan into a nation capable of participating in war again. In 2014, the Abe administration adopted a reinterpretation of Article 9, allowing the exercise of collective self-defense rights.

The dictionary definition of collective self-defense rights means “the right to use force to prevent an attack on a closely related country.” In other words, even if Japan itself is not attacked, it can participate in war as an ally if the United States requests it.

◆Concerns Over Japan’s Intervention in a Korean Peninsula Contingency

Japan Shizuoka Prefecture Gotemba City Higashifuji Training Ground, Self-Defense Force members are conducting military training.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Japan’s acquisition of counterattack capability has heightened military tensions in Northeast Asia.

In particular, concerns have been raised that the Japan Self-Defense Forces could intervene in the event of a contingency on the Korean Peninsula. Masakazu Hamachi, a member of the Komeito Party who participated in the revision discussions of the three major documents with the Liberal Democratic Party, stated on the 2nd regarding the exercise of counterattack capability, “In the event of a Korean Peninsula contingency, if there are signs that (North Korea) is launching missiles at Japan and a U.S. warship is hit, wouldn’t that constitute a situation threatening Japan’s existence (allowing Japan to exercise collective self-defense rights)?” However, he added, “It is an international rule that it cannot be exercised without (the U.S.) request.” This can be interpreted to mean that even if Japan is not directly attacked, it could launch attacks against North Korea if requested by the U.S.

The South Korean government plans to discuss this issue within the framework of trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated on the 16th, “For matters that have a significant impact on the security of the Korean Peninsula and our national interests, such as the exercise of counterattack capability targeting the Korean Peninsula, close consultation and consent with us in advance is absolutely necessary,” drawing a clear line against Japan’s exercise of counterattack capability aimed at the Korean Peninsula.

◆Rising Military Tensions in Northeast Asia

China and North Korea also reacted sharply to Japan’s decision. On the day the revision of Japan’s security documents was finalized, China conducted a military demonstration in the Western Pacific using an aircraft carrier strike group. According to Kyodo News, the Chinese carrier strike group consisted of six ships, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier, three missile destroyers, and one fast combat support ship. The Yomiuri Shimbun noted, “The Chinese fleet did not enter Japanese territorial waters,” but described the fleet size as “unprecedented.”

North Korea responded to Japan’s changed status by launching two ballistic missiles on the 19th. This was a provocation about a month after its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch on the 15th of last month. The Associated Press analyzed that North Korea’s provocation was a backlash against Japan’s revision of its security documents to secure counterattack capability.

◆China: “Japan, Destabilizer” vs. U.S.: “Welcomes Security Contribution”

Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor
Photo by AP News Agency

Upon Japan’s declaration to acquire counterattack capability, China immediately criticized Japan as a “regional destabilizer.” In contrast, the United States expressed a welcoming stance, showing opposing views.

On the 16th, the Chinese government issued a statement through its embassy in Japan, protesting, “The major adjustment of security policy and strengthening of counterattack military power this time makes us suspect that Japan is deviating from the postwar path of peaceful development.” Regarding Japan’s description of China as the “greatest strategic challenge” in the revised security strategy document, China said, “This seriously deviates from basic facts,” expressing “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition.” It is reported that China subsequently lodged a diplomatic protest, known as a “stern negotiation,” with Japan.

On the other hand, the United States welcomed Japan’s decision. Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, stated in a White House press release on the 16th, “Japan’s revision of its security documents is a bold and historic step to strengthen and defend a free and open Indo-Pacific,” expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Kishida and Japan’s leadership.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also issued a statement the same day, welcoming Japan’s move, saying, “The Japanese government’s goal will lead to strengthening and modernizing the U.S.-Japan alliance.” The U.S. response is analyzed as reflecting expectations that Japan’s acquisition of counterattack capability will bolster the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy and efforts to check China.

Major foreign media outlets reported on Japan’s revision of its security documents with concern. The New York Times stated, “Considering the dispute with China over the Senkaku Islands, Japan’s decision seems inevitable,” but also predicted, “With Japan significantly increasing its defense budget, the possibility of being drawn into conflicts involving Taiwan and China has increased.”

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