Why in News? Japan’s PM’s (Fumio Kishida) address to the US Congress and the developments from his summit meeting with President Joe Biden, announced the arrival of a new, assertive Japan to the world.
What is the Change that Japan is Undergoing? After World War II, a defeated Japan adopted a policy of pacifism. Today, Japan is set to become a major military power, transforming its civilian industrial capability into a military industrial complex. From being a US protectorate, it now becomes an American partner and a significant contributor to Asian and Indo-Pacific security.
What is the Reason for this Radical Change? A mix of external and internal factors has contributed to its reorientation in the 21st century. On the external front, the rise of China and North Korea; the deepening military bonds between Beijing and Moscow; and the fears that the US could withdraw its security protection to Japan. Internally, this situation strengthened conservatives in Tokyo, who wanted to see Japan becoming a ‘normal power’.
What Exactly is Japan Doing to Become a Geopolitical Power? First, Japan has done away with the historical cap (~1% of its GDP) on defence expenditure. Second, Japan is in the process of further strengthening its counter-strike capability in the form of cruise missiles. Third, Japan has eased its self-imposed ban on exports of lethal weapons to friendly countries. Fourth, Japan-US are in the process of revising the command-and-control framework governing their defence forces.
What are the Changes in Japan’s Diplomatic Posture? Japan has made attempts to end disputes with South Korea and Japan has been one of Ukraine’s strongest supporters in the war with Russia.
What are the Implications of this ‘New’ Japan?
