Tokyo / Beijing – Japan has signalled a significant shift in its defence policy against the backdrop of growing threats from China and North Korea. It involves acquiring the capability to attack enemy bases to the Japanese defence forces. Simultaneously, also there will be changes in the National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) and the Medium-Term Defense Program (MTDP). The Japanese government has begun discussions on the issue, and Prime Minister Kishida has taken its initiative.  

Moreover, China and North Korea have been conducting aggressive movements for the last few years. China has been consistently sending warships and patrol boats at maritime limits near Japan, and even a submarine was found sailing a few months ago. China had also carried out a patrol campaign near Japan’s maritime limit with the help of Russian warships. On the other hand, North Korea has begun making moves to increase its nuclear capability, and new tests have also been conducted in the last few months.  

This has increased the threat to Japan’s security. Japan has been steadily emphasising its defence abilities to counter the threat posed by China and North Korea. Every year, the defence expenditure has also been increased for this purpose, and last year, an additional emphasis was placed. In November, Japan’s cabinet had approved an additional $6.8 billion for defence expenditure. It had been signalled that the funds would be used for advanced missile mechanisms, anti-submarine rockets and other weaponry.  

The Japanese prime minister mentioned the capability to attack the enemy base, as he supported the increased defence spending. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had said, ‘We will realistically examine all options, such as the capability to attack the enemy bases, without excluding any of them, so we can drastically strengthen our defence capabilities with a sense of speed.’ After that, the Japanese government has now begun moves at a formal level for that, with former defence ministers and senior officials and experts also consulted. The sources informed that a separate meeting was held on Wednesday, herewith. The meeting also discussed the issue of changes to the NDPG and the MTDP, along with defence policy.  

Meanwhile, it has surfaced that Japan, just like Taiwan, has to counter with China’s Grey Zone Warfare. It has been revealed that during the nine months from April to December 2021, nearly 785 aircraft attempted to infiltrate. Out of these 571 airplanes had belonged to China, while the rest to Russia, the Japanese defence forces informed.  

The number of Chinese aircraft infiltration attempts was the highest in the last five years, said Japan. It has been reported that these infiltration attempts have also put tremendous strain on the Japanese air force. The highest infiltration of Chinese aircraft has taken place in areas of Okinawa Island. There are 32 active US military bases on this island. 

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