Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported on the 20th that several relevant sources revealed that the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan has begun discussions on revising the“Three security documents.” And proposed to the government the need to set new defense spending targets.
South Korea, NATO members and Australia, which target defence spending of 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) , were cited as examples of the LDP’s proposals to secure Japan’s defence budget, the report said, “We will strive to complete defence reform within five years,” it said. The newly revealed draft proposal does not specify the amount of Japan’s defense spending, but instead promises to keep accumulating“Indispensable funds for the defense of Independence and peace.”.
The draft proposal also mentioned the need to protect defense funds, but did not specify the specific way to raise money, and said to the Japanese people to do a good job in detailed explanation, for national understanding. In addition, the draft also said that infrastructure and other departments outside the Ministry of defense, “Defense-related funds” budget scope to promote comprehensive defense system to strengthen the work. The LDP is reportedly aiming to finalise the proposal by early June.
The government formally adopted the new“Security three documents” in 2022, and plans to achieve the target of spending 2 per cent of gross domestic product on defence in fiscal year 2027. Washington has asked allies, including Japan, to significantly increase their defence spending.
Japanese Prime Minister Takashi Zameo said earlier this year, will be revised this year, “Security three documents” as the goal. In response, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry said at a regular news briefing that this reflects a dangerous trend of Japan’s accelerating“Re-militarization”, which will inevitably damage regional peace and the international community must be on high alert. (Ren Yiran)