What's behind Japan's massive military build-up plan | DW News

Japan is arming itself like it never has before. The Defense Ministry has now asked for a nearly 12% budget increase this year, to finance the acquisition of warships and long range cruise missiles. If approved, it would be the second straight year of the new five-year military build-up plan that was approved in December last year.
The request to increase the defense budget as part of that plan, came a day after Japan's top uniformed officer, General Yoshihide Yoshida warned that the neglected state of the country's Self-Defence Forces had put it's very sovereignty in jeopardy.

In an interview to the Nikkei Asia newspaper, he said: "We cannot maintain Japan's security with our current capabilities. The international community is at a critical juncture on whether it can prevent unilateral changes in the status quo by force and maintain an international order based on the rule of law. Japan is on the front lines of this fight in the Indo-Pacific."

North Korea has always been a threat to the island nation and in recent years, under Kim Jong Un, that threat has only increased. A now nearly monthly danger comes from the numerous missile launches from North Korea. Missiles which land on many occassions in waters around Japan. It is one of the reasons why the defense ministry wants the funds to build two warships which will have the radar capability to intercept North Korean missile launches.

And then there is the historical threat from China. Both nations have territorial disputes as well that have seen ships from both countries face off in recent years. The war in Ukraine has added a new dimension to this threat in the form of the 'no limits' partnership between China and Russia. The navies of both nations have since last year conducted numerous jount patrols and drills in the seas around Japan.

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[jiffypoo]

It is unfortunate, but history has consistently taught "if you want peace, prepare for war".

[Middlestepofficial]

There is an old Japanese story about a king who hired a Samurai veteran to teach his son the art of war, theory, practice and everything he can, in order to prepare him for taking over the throne one day. The boy was exercising every day with the old Samurai warrior, practicing combat and listening to lectures about tactics and how to defeat the enemy in various situations. However, every time after the lectures, the old man was taking the boy to the garden behind the castle and showing him how to take care of the flowers and plants. When the boy grew up, one day he asked the Samurai: "Sorry master for interrupting, but why is it that you teach me every time about bloodshed and destruction and after you're showing me how to take care of the garden"? The old man smiled and replied: "This way you learn how to control yourself and a valuable lesson: Better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war".

[DModding]

With Japan - When they say they are gonna do something - You know its gonna happen

[mehmet.albyrk]

I think having a deterrent power is the most significant defining point in keeping peace among countries so Japan is doing what any coutry should do

[frankfischer]

It is in Japans’ national security interest that Japan increases its’ defense posture within its’ defense alliances because it is, indeed, on the front lines of any potential Indo-Pacific hostilities.

[lil----lil]

Russia did the impossible: made two of the most neutral nations on earth - ever - joining NATO.
Now Winnie is doing the same: Japan already was/is an industrial powerhouse but only renounced her military might because of WW2 and rewrote her constitution. NOW they're removing all of that preparing a potential war with Winnie along with the US, Taiwan, Phillipine, Vietnam, & South Korea.

[ronaldguadamuzz]

I hate war, but it is necessary to protect the home country. Bring back the spiritual strength of the samurai Japan.

[Toumahitoedits]

Self-Defence? This isn't about defence anymore, it's about survival.

[chrismitchell]

Time for Japan to retake its territory from Russia

[gauravpaswan]

We'll done Japan ❤️❤️ keep going love from India

[marksnyder]

Very well spoken individual. Congrats to Japan for maintaining relevance, strength, and independence throughout the ages

[AssadTheDon]

GO JAPAN! The Philippines supports you! 🇯🇵🇵🇭🤝

[ganggangbabymusic]

Damn glad the Japanese are on our side this time around... could u imagine them foes again...

[edwinhargrave]

Japan will defend and Japan will be just fine.

[psychocuda]

There should be a formal alliance in the Pacific similar to NATO with allies such as US, Canada, Japan, S. Korea, Australia/NZ, Philippines, etc. And that alliance should be a strong partner with NATO to send a message that threats on either side of the world will be dealt with accordingly.

[darrelbautista]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe legacy to strengthen Japan Defense Capabilities

[enedifanovaha]

Blame or Russia and China thats why Japan is make its own defend budget on edge to build more army

[highground]

"Japan is arming itself like it never has been before"
Me: Are you sure about that???

[HelptheBroncos]

my boys are you Japan...U.S. native here

[Alex.af.Nordheim]

I'm glad Japan and Germany are on our side this time