Tokyo – ‘We will consider all options to enhance Japan’s defence capabilities. It will also include the ability to attack enemy bases, said Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, supporting rising defence spending. On Friday, Japan’s cabinet approved an additional $6.8 billion in defence spending. The funds are expected to be used for advanced missile systems, anti-submarine rockets and other weapons.
In the last few years, there have been aggressive movements from China as well as North Korea. China has been continuously sending warships and patrol boats in the Japanese waters and a submarine was also spotted a few months ago. China had also carried out a patrol mission near Japan’s maritime boundary with the help of Russian warships. On the other hand, North Korea is moving to increase its nuclear capabilities and has conducted new tests over the last few months.
This has increased the threat to Japanese security. Japan continues to increase its defence capabilities to counter China and North Korea’s threats. Defence spending is also being increased every year and hence, this year as well. Additional provisions have been made for it. The defence sector was also included in the special package announced to boost the economy after the Covid pandemic. Under the package, an additional $6.8 billion has been allocated.
The process of procuring new defence systems will be expedited through these additional provisions. These will mainly include missiles and rockets. During a visit to the defence base on Saturday, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida backed increased defence spending. This time he has also expressed readiness to double the defence spending, saying the security situation around Japan is alarming.
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