National Security Strategy

The Cabinet led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe determined National Security Strategy for the first time in the history of Japanese government. The strategy is, in short, enhancing capability of Self-defense Force to counter potential threat of China and North Korea. In the concept of the strategy, the people are subdued under control of the government. It is fair to say that Japan started preparing for war, which the nation must once have abandoned as a measure of solving international conflicts.

On China, the strategy notifies the equivocal expansion of military capabilities. “Based on its unilateral argument incompatible with international legal order, China is showing an attitude that can be recognized as forcibly changing status quo,” it criticized. North Korea is described as a problem of the world society as a whole. “Development of ballistic missiles with capability of reaching the mainland of the United States, downsizing nuclear weapons and attempts of loading them on missiles are making the threat on regional security substantially serious,” it argues.

To counteract those problems, the strategy required easing regulation on weapons export. Practically abolishing three principles for arms export, prohibiting arms sales to countries of communism, with sanction by the United Nations, or in international conflict, the government is setting new standard of arms export. It also stressed strengthening diplomacy, constructing comprehensive defense posture, securing territory, maintaining maritime security, enhancing cyber security and so on.

Reminding of the pre-war regime, the strategy strangely inserted patriotic sentences requiring the nation of fostering love for the country and homeland. Overestimating threats around, the administration is trying to overturn people’s sovereignty into sovereignty of bureaucracy. It definitely leads this nation to be separated between leaders and followers. That is what they want.

To enhance military leadership, the cabinet also reviewed National Defense Program Guideline. To achieve integrated operation of the Self-defense Forces of ground, sea and air, it created a concept of integrated mobile defense power, in which they possess sufficient quality and quantity to enhance deterrence and manageability. Supposing China’s landing on small islands in border area, namely Senkaku Islands, the guideline plans to establish amphibious mobile groups. It is nothing but a preparation for actual collision with neighbor countries.

Without precisely elaborating intention and capability of China and North Korea, the renewal of security strategy will raise tension in the region.