Defence policy of Japan

The Government of Japan has undertaken multiple initiatives to enhance its security policy. These efforts include the establishment of the National Security Council (NSC), the adoption of the National Security Strategy (NSS), and the formulation National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG).

These efforts were predicated on the belief that Japan needs to contribute more actively to the peace and stability of Asia and the international community while coordinating with other allied nations.

National Security Council (NSC)

On December 4, 2013, the National Security Council was established to serve as a forum for discussion on national security issues. Chaired by Japan's Prime Minister, the NSC facilitates high-level consultations on critical matters affecting Japan's security.

National Security Strategy (NSS)

On December 17, 2013, National Security Strategy was adopted through a Cabinet decision. The NSS outlines the fundamental direction of Japan’s diplomatic and defence policies concerning national security. It emphasizes the principle of "Proactive Contribution to Peace" and seeks to enhance understanding of Japan’s national security objectives.[1]

By March 2024, revisions are expected to improve the peacetime use of civilian airports and ports by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and its security partners. These changes aim to bolster military readiness in response to global developments such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and potential contingencies involving Taiwan.[2]

Budget

In 1976, Prime Minister Miki Takeo announced defense spending should not exceed 1% of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP),[3] a ceiling that was observed until 1986.[4]

As of 2005, Japan's military budget was maintained at about 3% of the national budget. About half of the military budget is spent on personnel costs, while the rest is reserved for weapons programs, maintenance, and operating costs.[5] As of 2015, Japan had the sixth largest defense budget in the world.

References

  1. ^ "Japan's Security Policy". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
  2. ^ Staff (6 December 2022) "Japan to facilitate use of ports, airports by Self-Defense Forces". Nikkei Asia website Retrieved 19 December 2022.
  3. ^ Entrenching the Yoshida Defence Doctrine: Three Techniques for Institutionalization, International Organization 51:3 (Summer 1997), 389-412.
  4. ^ "Japan Drops Its Symbolic Ceiling On Defense Spending". Articles.philly.com. 1990-02-18. Archived from the original on August 11, 2011. Retrieved 2014-08-03.
  5. ^ "The Front Line". Forbes. 2005. Archived from the original on December 21, 2005.

See also