Japan adopts new defense guidelines, agrees to boost military spending over next 5 years
- 5 years ago
Japan has adopted new national military plans that call for beefing up its multidimensional military capabilities, citing increased security risks in Northeast Asia.
Seoul and Beijing have already voiced their concerns about Tokyo's new plan.
Kim Hyo-sun tells us more.
Japan has laid out its new defense guidelines,... aimed at enhancing its capabilities to deal with security risks at sea, online and in outer space,... in order to counter potential threats from North Korea and China.
To this end, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved on Tuesday to spend over 240 billion U.S. dollars on national defense over the next five years.
This is about 17 billion dollars more than Japan spent on defense during the past five years.
"The medium-term defense program will deal with national security circumstances that involve Japan and identify defense capabilities which need to be strengthened."
The new guidelines also include plans to upgrade its largest destroyer Izumo into a de-facto aircraft carrier,... yet, use it not as an (quote) "offensive aircraft carrier" which Tokyo cannot possess under its post-war defense-only national policy.
Following Japan's decision,... South Korea and China responded by raising concerns.
Seoul's foreign ministry said Tokyo needs to contribute to the peace and stability of the region,... and urged Japan to implement its security policies in a transparent manner.
China expressed strong disappointment and objection,... saying the new guidelines make groundless and irresponsible accusations against Beijing.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that the new measures are not helpful for their bilateral relations.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.
Seoul and Beijing have already voiced their concerns about Tokyo's new plan.
Kim Hyo-sun tells us more.
Japan has laid out its new defense guidelines,... aimed at enhancing its capabilities to deal with security risks at sea, online and in outer space,... in order to counter potential threats from North Korea and China.
To this end, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved on Tuesday to spend over 240 billion U.S. dollars on national defense over the next five years.
This is about 17 billion dollars more than Japan spent on defense during the past five years.
"The medium-term defense program will deal with national security circumstances that involve Japan and identify defense capabilities which need to be strengthened."
The new guidelines also include plans to upgrade its largest destroyer Izumo into a de-facto aircraft carrier,... yet, use it not as an (quote) "offensive aircraft carrier" which Tokyo cannot possess under its post-war defense-only national policy.
Following Japan's decision,... South Korea and China responded by raising concerns.
Seoul's foreign ministry said Tokyo needs to contribute to the peace and stability of the region,... and urged Japan to implement its security policies in a transparent manner.
China expressed strong disappointment and objection,... saying the new guidelines make groundless and irresponsible accusations against Beijing.
China's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday that the new measures are not helpful for their bilateral relations.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.