Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized on March 5 that the country's defence budget decisions are made independently and will not be influenced by external pressure. His remarks came in response to calls by Elbridge Colby, a nominee for a prominent policy position at the Pentagon during former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, for Japan to spend more on its military capabilities in order to counter growing security concerns posed by China.
Addressing parliament, Ishiba clearly stated that Japan's defence budget should be determined internally without being dictated by other countries. This stance underscores the sovereign right of Japan to set its own defence priorities and spending levels according to its evaluations of national security needs.
Last year, Japan unveiled a significant increase in military spending amounting to 43 trillion yen (approximately $287.09 billion) over five years, which effectively doubles the current defence budget to about 2% of the nation's GDP. This increase is intended to effectively address escalating regional threats from China, Russia, and North Korea.
Despite this substantial rise, Colby asserted that Japan needs to push further, suggesting a target of at least 3% of GDP spending on defence. He encouraged quicker reforms aimed at strengthening Japan's military capabilities, specifically focusing on defending its archipelago and contributing more proactively to collective regional security.
In response, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi defended the approach taken by the government, highlighting that the main concern was not just the amount of money invested in defence, but rather the actual substance and effectiveness of Japan's military capabilities. Hayashi stressed quality and operational capability improvements as higher priorities compared to simply reaching a predefined ratio of defence spending against GDP.
Colby also criticized both Japan and Taiwan for what he characterized as insufficiently rapid progress in bolstering their respective defence investments.
8 Comments
Loubianka
China’s growing assertiveness requires firm actions from Japan. Boosting defense spending now is the sensible step.
Eugene Alta
It’s reassuring to see the Japanese government serious about protecting its citizens by strategically boosting military capabilities.
Noir Black
Japan investing significantly in defense sends a clear message that it will protect its territory and maintain regional stability.
Loubianka
Japanese officials are correctly stressing quality and capability; a credible defense system matters more than just dollar amounts.
Katchuka
Japan wisely recognized threats posed by North Korea, China, and Russia—increasing defense spending shows responsiveness to a realistic security environment.
Muchacho
Japan must focus on peaceful engagement and collaboration in Asia rather than spending its limited resources on excessive military capabilities.
Coccinella
Colby’s remarks show how some foreign interests push Japan into military escalations that are not helpful or sustainable.
Bella Ciao
Military spending has never solved conflicts, it only escalates tensions. Japan must prioritize diplomacy rather than defense budgets pushed by external hawks.