What does Japan's military expansion mean for the region? | Inside Story

Japan says the strategic challenge posed by China is the biggest it has ever faced.
Besides Beijing, Japan has two other nuclear-armed neighbours in North Korea and Russia.
It has expressed concerns about intensifying Russian military activity in its far east, even as Moscow presses on with its war against Ukraine.
And a North Korean missile flew over Japan in October.
Japan wants to significantly increase its military spending, targeting $315 billion in the next five years, or 2 percent of its GDP.
But Tokyo's plans are a reminder of an imperial past when it occupied the Korean peninsula and parts of China and seized all of East Asia during the second world war.

So, what does the new military drive mean for Japan's Pacifist Constitution?

Presenter: Laura Kyle

Guests:

Kotaro Tamura - Adjunct Professor at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore. He is a former senator with Japan's Liberal Democratic Party.

Nancy Snow - Communications Director, International Security Industrial Council. She's also a Foreign Policy Advisor to the Japanese Government.

David Arase - Resident Professor of International Politics at The Hopkins-Nanjing Center of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.


#Japan #JapanMilitaryExpansion #JapaneseArmy #InsideStory

[EmpowerHour]

GOOD LUCK JAPAN, PHILIPPINE IS HERE TO HELP🇵🇭🇯🇵

[Andre-sgzx]

seeing how North Korea behave and Russia-China decision to always backup North Korea, Japan needs to be a serious formidable power in the region.

[woopityscoop]

Definitely a turning point in history we are living in. So tough to make sense of it from everyone's perspective.

[aokookello]

This country Japan is silent, but under the waters, it's very intelligent. People shouldn't underestimate it's silence for weakness. This country is clever

[mattblom]

This is expected, just very late. The USA has been pressuring Japan to renounce the very pacifism they imposed on it since the 1950s. It's not a question if this is needed, it's a question if Japan will even have time to re-arm before they must put their cards on the table.

[MANNU-RR_JAAT]

We supports&love Japanese Brave Army🇯🇵+🇮🇳... Love from Bharat 🙏🏼

[kjrd]

I say it's good for JAPAN to build up it's military power, because the way things are going in the world, the weak will be picked on by other bully country's for nothing! You must be strong to take down the bully's!

[rico_cavalierie]

Some say the military is for when diplomacy fails. I have come to learn that the military is often part of a diplomatic strategy. Japan is already pretty strong by virtue of the high quality of its troops. Bolstered with new, high-tech equipment to increase their capability they will shore up being a regional (and global) superpower.

[thomaslove]

Japan has the right to protect itself just like any other countries.... I don't blame them one bit for wanting to strengthen their defenses.... 🇺🇲🤝🇯🇵

[jcobra]

Glad that Japan and Germany are both re-arming. The 3rd and 4th largest economies in the world should have militaries on par with their economy. Both are responsible democratic countries and their increased military spending only makes the world more safe and keeps the dictatorships at bay

[helderet]

I agree with the Japanese decision of boosting its capabilities

[mdhasmatalimondal]

Germany is strengthening military. Italy having political changes. Now Japan is building aircraft carrier. Did I missed anything 🥴🥴🥴

[shermannatrix]

While I've never been a fan of geopolitics, I can't help but draw upon the lessons and history that we have learned about our country Singapore and how WWII spanned the entire region.

Fast forward a few decades later, what China is currently doing brings back memories (from documentaries of WWII in the Pacific) of the late-1930s. Tensions are rising and building up like a volcano.

While I'm not wishing for it, or remotely want it to happen, you can feel the pressure rising and it's just a matter of time before something major happens in the region. As a Singaporean, I am grateful that our government has done an amazing job to remain neutral geopolitically speaking, and that has brought so much stability. But one cannot deny, the next decade feels a little uncertain.

[BreakingGlass_in_English]

I have been living in Japan for 8 years…Japanese don’t care about giving 2% more for taxes when is about defending themselves. They have really clear the meaning of being together.

[arvinaguila]

Japan must mobilize their Gundam mobile suit unit

[magusalakcristituto]

Japan are the good guys now, so its okay to bring back their military might, support and admiration for Japan from Philippines

[benx]

Japan today is not an aggressive imperialist nation. Japan is one of our (the West) closest allies, and they should amend their constitution so they can take their place on the world stage to not only defend themselves but also to participate with their fellow democratic nations in that part of the world in helping to maintain peace.

[AbhisheKumar]

Only power can ensure peace.
Love Japan from India 🇮🇳.

[hanwon]

I am Taiwanese. The China air fighter invade the border of Taiwan everyday.The purpose of China's invasion of Taiwan is to build Taiwan into a military base for future wars against Japan and the United States, and to serve as a springboard for China to break through the first island chain defense line. Taiwan and Japan are strategically located as a community with a shared future. It is necessary for the two countries to cooperate in the military and establish a military alliance.

[RobertsDigital]

As a black guy Japan is a country that I have always loved.
Ever since I was a kid, I have had more close, genuine and humble friends from Japan than any country is the east. They've been a great source of inspiration to me.
Always wish them the best of luck and blessings on anything they do.
Remain blessed Japan👍❤
Cheers