Threat to Japanese security augmenting due to Ukraine conflict and China-

Tokyo: The annual Japanese defence white paper warned that Japan is closely monitoring the Ukraine conflict in eastern Europe and the Chinese activities against Taiwan. Because both these add to the long-term threats to Japanese security. At the same time, indications also have been given that Japan may purchase long-range missiles to augment its defence preparedness. Meanwhile, China is infuriated with this Japanese white paper. China has accused Japan is giving excuses for its military expansion.

The military white paper approved by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was released on Friday. Japan has enumerated the threats posed to the country’s security, just like every year. The white paper also talks about the policies of the Japanese government for preparedness against these threats. But this year, Japan’s white paper has specifically mentioned the Russia-Ukraine conflict and increasing Russia-China military cooperation.

Moreover, the long-term effects of the Ukraine conflict will be felt in the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan. The white paper says that a wrong message will be delivered that the situation in Asia can be altered with unilateral action if this Russian aggression is tolerated. The Japanese white paper indicates that China too can take actions similar to the Russian action in Ukraine without directly mentioning it. A few days ago, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kashida had drawn the world’s attention, saying, ‘Today its Ukraine and tomorrow it can be east Asia under attack.’

In the white paper released on Friday, the Japanese defence ministry has underlined the Chinese threat to the country’s security. The power centre of the world is shifting. Besides, the report cites that there is competition among countries and in these circumstances, the Chinese aggression could further complicate the global equations.

The Chinese threat to Taiwanese security existed even in the past. But the threat has intensified following the Russian attack on Ukraine. Moreover, the escalating dispute between the United States and China over Taiwan is adding to the tensions in this region. The white paper points out that there has been an increase in the intrusions into the Taiwanese airspace by Chinese airplanes over the last year. The report warns that if China attacks Taiwan in the coming times, it will directly threaten Japanese security. It has been warned even earlier that an emergency situation could be created in Japan if China attacked Taiwan. At the same time, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe demanded that the United States to take a firm stand on the issue of Taiwanese security.