The Abe Cabinet¡¯s decision on defense policy is highly problematic because it is bent on increasing the nation¡¯s defense capabilities without self-restraint. Contrary to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe¡¯s intention of making Japan safer, the new defense policy carries the risk of increasing tension in Northeast Asia and destabilizing the security environment around Japan, thus reducing Japan¡¯s security.
On Tuesday the Cabinet endorsed a national security strategy (NSS), Japan¡¯s first comprehensive guideline for security policy and diplomacy, along with a new defense program outline and a new five-year defense buildup program. Behind the decision is China¡¯s military buildup and its attempts to increase its military presence in Northeast Asia as well as North Korea¡¯s programs to develop nuclear weapons and missiles.
The NSS says Japan has followed the basic policy of maintaining a defense-only defense posture, refraining from becoming a military power and upholding the principles of not manufacturing, not possessing and not permitting the entry of nuclear weapons, and ¡°will make firm its walk as a nation of pacifism.¡±
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