Japanese Prime Minister will step up defense between threats from China and North Korea | Military news

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says Japan’s security situation is changing rapidly and is more serious than ever.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has renewed his commitment to consider “all options,” including the acquisition of the ability to attack enemy bases to protect the country amid growing threats from China and North Korea.

Kishida said in a review of the first troops on Saturday that the security situation in the region is changing rapidly and that the “reality is more serious than ever” as North Korea continues to test ballistic missiles as its capabilities advance, and China continues to search for the army. increasingly assertive and strong activity in the region.

“I will explore all options, including having the so-called enemy base attack capability, to strengthen the necessary defensive power,” Kishida said in an appearance addressed to hundreds of members of the Earth Self-Defense Force with olive-colored helmets and uniforms.

Kishida, who he took office in October, served for the first time as commander-in-chief on Saturday in northern Tokyo during a review of Self-Defense Force troops conducted at Camp Asaka army headquarters. About 800 soldiers were gathered for inspection, according to the Ministry of Defense.

“The security environment surrounding Japan is changing rapidly at an unprecedented rate. Things that only happened in science fiction novels are a reality today,” Kishida said. to determine what is needed to achieve it.

The possibility of having the so-called ability to attack the enemy base has been a matter of division, as opponents say it violates the constitution that renounces the Japanese war.

Kishida has shifted to a more modest stance, apparently to please influential leaders of his ruling party, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and to strengthen power. He now advocates for an increase in Japanese military capability and spending.

Extra budget for defense

On Friday, the Kishida Cabinet approved a request for 770 billion Japanese yen ($ 6.8 billion) by March for an additional defense budget to speed up the purchase of missiles, anti-submarine rockets and other weapons, amid growing concern over increased military activity by China and Russia. and North Korea.

The request, still awaiting parliamentary approval, is a record for an additional defense budget and will bring Japan’s annual military spending to a height of more than 6.1 trillion yen ($ 53.2 million), 15% more than in 2020. The consolidated budget for 2021 will be just over 1 percent of Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP), maintaining the usual limit.

Kishida said he is open to doubling Japan’s military spending to deal with a worse security environment. Critics say Japan, as the world’s oldest country in decline, should focus more money on health and other services.

Compared to past troop reviews, which included 4,000 soldiers, more than 200 vehicles and dozens of warplanes, Saturday’s event was significantly reduced to minimize the impact on regular troop activity, authorities said.

No parade or public was seen, and only nine tanks and other vehicles took part in the online event.