Japan's Military Expansion and China's Opposition
Japan has recently unveiled its first guidelines for space domain defense, explicitly citing the development of "killer satellites" by China and Russia as a primary concern. This move is part of a broader trend of Japan increasing its defense spending and strengthening military cooperation with the U.S. and other Western countries.
Japan's Military Buildup:
Increased Defense Spending: Japan has been steadily increasing its defense budget, with a stated goal of reaching 2% of its GDP by 2027. For the fiscal year beginning April 2025 (FY2025), defense spending is projected to reach ¥9.9 trillion ($68.4 billion), which would be equivalent to approximately 1.8% of GDP based on the projected GDP for FY2025. This marks a significant shift from its post-war pacifist constitution, which historically limited defense spending to around 1% of GDP.
Space Defense Guidelines: The newly announced guidelines aim to protect Japanese satellites and promote cooperation between public and private sectors on cutting-edge space technology. Plans include the introduction of "bodyguard satellites" to protect Japanese assets and the development of capabilities to disrupt enemy command-and-control and communications functions, with an infrastructure goal set for fiscal 2029.
Acquisition of Advanced Weaponry: Japan plans to purchase 400 American Tomahawk cruise missiles, a precision-strike weapon with a range of over 1,600 kilometers, between fiscal years 2025 and 2027.
Enhanced Military Cooperation: Japan is deepening its military cooperation with the U.S., including collaboration on improving space, cyber, and maritime awareness capabilities, as well as joint research and development in emerging technologies like unmanned systems and artificial intelligence. They are also working to strengthen their defense industries and engage in more frequent joint military exercises. Japan has also established Reciprocal Access Agreements (RAAs) with the United Kingdom and Australia, allowing for increased military cooperation and joint training.
China's Response:
China has firmly opposed Japan's military expansion, accusing it of creating pretexts and hyping up "threats from other countries" to justify its actions.
Accusations of Militarization: China views Japan's increased defense spending and military cooperation, particularly in outer space, as a dangerous trend that threatens regional security and stability and raises concerns about a revival of militarism.
"China Threat" Rhetoric: Chinese officials have dismissed Japan's claims regarding "killer satellites" as a deliberate misinterpretation of China's normal, peaceful space activities and a tactic to promote Japan's militarization. They argue that satellite proximity operations cited by Japan are standard for space maintenance and not inherently weaponized.
Opposition to Arms Race in Space: China asserts its commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and opposes any arms race or weaponization of space. It advocates for negotiations on legal instruments for space arms control and calls for building a "community with a shared future for humanity in outer space."
Historical Context: China has repeatedly urged Japan to reflect seriously on its responsibility for past war crimes and draw lessons from history, rather than "hiding its true intention of military buildup by acting as a scaremonger."
In essence, Japan is prioritizing its defense capabilities, particularly in the space domain, in response to perceived threats from China and Russia, while China views these actions as aggressive military expansion fueled by fabricated narratives and a disregard for historical context.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
