Japan Accelerates Remilitarization Driven by Ukraine War... Shedding the 'Peace Nation' Label

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
[Photo by Reuters]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 11th (local time) that Japan is accelerating its rearmament efforts as voices rise for strengthening its own deterrence in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In an article titled "Japan is moving to shed the constraints of a pacifist state amid threats on all sides," the NYT conveyed this development. This means that rather than relying on the United States and its allies to protect itself, Japan is increasingly voicing the need for self-arming.

The NYT first pointed to Japan's support of military equipment such as bulletproof vests and helmets to the conflict zone of Ukraine as a clear sign. Japan decided to support Ukraine by revising the operational guidelines of the "Three Principles on the Transfer of Defense Equipment," which regulate the export of military goods. The NYT evaluated, "Although incomparable to the arms supplies from the US and Europe, this military support marks a decisive moment in moving away from the identity of a pacifist nation." It also mentioned that active discussions on border security, citing threats from China and North Korea, are in the same context.

Earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced on the 8th the expulsion of Russian diplomats and new sanctions against Russia, stating that "a thorough enhancement of defense capabilities with a sense of urgency is important." Unlike during Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014, Japan is now actively participating in sanctions against Russia alongside the US and other Western countries.

China's threat is also considered one of the factors prompting Japan to rearm. The possibility of China's invasion of Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands (Chinese name Diaoyutai) dispute are felt as greater concerns. North Korea's aggressive ballistic missile tests this year are also included as negative factors for security.

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said in an NYT interview that he senses a complete change in the stance of Japan's political circles. He explained, "The issue is not only Russia's unilateral actions in Ukraine but also the actions of North Korea and China." The NYT noted that although Germany, which has renounced war, is also changing its defense policy, Japan has already begun gradual measures to strengthen its defense capabilities, highlighting that when Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo requested a significant increase in the defense budget earlier this month, the opposition parties did not oppose it.

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