Japan to drop setting ceiling on next year's defense spending: Nikkei

That's a ridiculous announcement because they previously said weeks ago there wasn't a decided budget anyway.

Defense spending " the sky is the limit "

Get ready to spend more on everything and receive less.

What’s the point of military spending if the US military is here to protect Japan? Isn’t the national debt high enough already?

With the US under its current "leadership" I think it's a wise move. We need our own iron dome.

Defense and other government spending need a freeze while there are too many economic crises, the rising costs of living, energy, and others. The budget needs trimming to deal with the current situation.

The budget needs trimming to deal with the current situation.

They spend 40 trillion yen more than revenues as it has been; overall the budget needs a slashing, not a fiddle.

Funny that money spent on defense- protects all the posters here who are against spending money on defense. Unless of course they don't reside in Japan in the first place.

Current geopolitical events call for extraordinary responses.

If you wish to live in peace, prepare for war!

Modern weapons and the skills training necessary to use them both take time to produce, so to live in peace you must prepare your defences beforehand.

If as Japan does, you have aggressive, imperialistic, expansionist neighbours who have spent vast sums already in massively expanding their offensive arsenals way beyond any defensive needs, t then waiting until one of them decides to use their military might before you do anything is a recipe for becoming a subjugated colony!

rzadigi

What’s the point of military spending if the US military is here to protect Japan

If you are not willing to defend your self, why should the USA? They are only there as allies

@OssanAmerica I think a preemptive strike against little. Kim would sent a good message to the communist menace. And it'd also be cheaper.

To sell the expensive "security" toys to it's vassal sates, the US has to first create the threat.... It has been doing this with China for years.

China is not a threat to Japan. They have a minor dispute over a couple of Rocks in the sea that are of little importance to anyone. China's real threat is economic which is sadly for Japan and the US, something that cannot be stopped.

Blank cheque for the military-industrial complex?

Ginza's back‼️

Defense spending or whatever figures , GDP, Covid infection, Crime ratio, ... whatever...meaningless. We all are dealing with Authoritarian powers. You don't think they are honest do you?

“Setting no ceiling on defense spending.” I hope this doesn’t mean buying unlimited quantities of US-made weapons at exorbitant prices.

To sell the expensive "security" toys to it's vassal sates, the US has to first create the threat.... It has been doing this with China for years.

China has been delusional in saying its defense buildup is because it fears attack, primarily from the US. China has the largest number of active naval vessels, one of the biggest land armies and a continually growing air force, all of which could effectively defend two or three China's.

China is not a threat to Japan. They have a minor dispute over a couple of Rocks in the sea that are of little importance to anyone.

China is a threat to all who do not agree with it, (just ask it's citizens). Anyone saying otherwise is either naive or ignorant of the facts.

Japan is doing the right thing to enhance defense quickly. The hope is they do so efficiently and economically as well. They should develop long range, conventionally armed ICBM's off the back of its established space program. A 3000km - 5000km range will provide the ability to return fire on any of the ICBM capable nations that might attack Japan. They will be less inclined to be hostile to a Japan that can strike back if needed. If Ukraine had that ability they could have hit Russian fuel dumps, ammunition supplies and troop barracks inside Russia as Russia has done inside Ukraine from over the border.

"Japanese voters, fearing a slide into militarism, have traditionally been wary of big increases in defense spending, but many now worry that Russia's invasion of Ukraine may embolden China to attack neighboring Taiwan."

Well, we now also get to worry about our kids and grandkids not only facing crippling debt even if they were just born, but never having a pension, never being able to retire (but still paying into pension), increase income tax, increased consumption tax, higher premiums on all social services and less returns, and then some. But hey, no cap on military spending.

"Japanese voters, fearing a slide into militarism, have traditionally been wary of big increases in defense spending, but many now worry that Russia's invasion of Ukraine may embolden China to attack neighboring Taiwan."

Years of gaslighting by LDP and LDP-affiliated media has worked.

Let's all quit out jobs and start working in the so-called "defense" industry then.

The Japanese defense budget is in excess of ¥5 trillion. The LDP wants to double it to ¥10 trillion.

"Japan’s doubling of its defense budget will make the world a more dangerous place – here’s why"

https://theconversation.com/japans-doubling-of-its-defence-budget-will-make-the-world-a-more-dangerous-place-heres-why-182625

It is good to have a strong ally to help defense us but you need to be strong and prepared ourselves for the unthinkable also. It is ridiculous to just depend on the US and even more ridiculous to stand still and pray for peace when some of your neighbors are threatening security and peace itself in the region.

“If you are not willing to defend your self, why should the USA? They are only there as allies”

exactly. Unfortunately there are some in the population and generations of Japanese who are that naiive to think of national defense that way.

It sounds good, however china uses different ways of domination. Have look around and you will realize that CCP is buying everything. Tibet and Uyghur is proof how the CCP usually does things.

This won't have much effect and at the end of the day

Japan will just be buying more weapons from the US where Prime Minister Emanuel, Ops, Kishida will be forced to pay the bill.

Dear Japan, build your nuclear weapon and stop doing business with the CCP!

The capital of NK and Japan are 800 miles apart,it take less than 10 minutes for NK to strike at 35.7,139.7 in central Tokyo

If we increase defense spending, then US troops must at least half their troops that are staying here. 55k troops is too much. Not only they don’t follow our rules but they also causing way too much problems. Flying at low attitude, constant noises and even water population. They don’t even follow any covid rules when the pandemic started.

More defense spending = more engineers , scientists, technicians, etc needed = more technical / training schools = more employment opportunities for Japanese graduates.

It's a good way to spur the economy.

@Hiro.

The US troops are very necessary. But to minimize the social problems they cause ( as well as the aircraft noise), they should be based on offshore island. Someplace nearer to Senkaku & Taiwan.

Good way to spur the economy and that’s what America believes with 2% of the workforce working for the US military

That's because the US military & their contractors employs many so-called "Americans" who transfer their salary money back to their own countries or only spend money at outlets owned by their own people.

They're not spending their earnings at US establishments (eg American owned restaurants) or on US-made goods.

How to spur the economy like this?

Japanese, on their other hand, would rather spend on their own goods & services because the high quality is there.

So, more Japanese defense spending = more Japanese working as either military or contractors or engineering educators = more salary for Japanese to spend in their own country.

"Well, we now also get to worry about our kids and grandkids not only facing crippling debt even if they were just born, but never having a pension, never being able to retire (but still paying into pension), increase income tax, increased consumption tax, hi"gher premiums on all social services and less returns, and then some. But hey, no cap on military spending."

No need to worry.

Got back to Canada where everything is perfect!

Simples.

Fearmongering about crippling debt is only a CCP scar tactic. Since 2% of GDP is a standard for modern nations, there is no doubt the worlds third largest economy is more than capable of matching what much smaller nations manage so easily by increasing from 1% to 2% over five years.

If that breaks Japans bank then they need new financial management. In addition, Japan produces most of its own equipment, hardware and munitions anyway so the majority of expenditure will remain in Japan, helping employ people in high tech jobs, supporting Japanese industry's from making boots and uniforms to frigates and destroyers and submarines and patrol craft etc.

If China and Russia were not beating the drums of war, and planing for territorial expansion, their neighbors like Japan would not feel it necessary to increase defense spending. But sure Japan should ignore the danger and do nothing, until it is too late and an enemy is at the gates.

Some few continue to push the peaceful benevolent China, and trustworthy Russia simply pushed into a corner by shadows in Europe. They really can be trusted. Just dont worry about their military buildups, it is all for a peaceful world under their control. As long as you do everything they tell you to do you have nothing to worry about. I am not buying it.

Japan is the world's 12th largest arms importer, with a 2.2% global share. Most purchases are from its ally the United States, according to the latest survey by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, a global research organization.

A large and growing share of the 2 trillion yen (U.S. $17.7 billion) annually in equipment purchases by the Defense Ministry are made through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. They more than tripled from 190.6 billion yen in 2014 to 701.3 billion yen in 2019, when Japan placed orders for F-35 stealth fighters, missile interceptors and other expensive equipment to reinforce its defenses against China and North Korea.

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2021/12/29/despite-defense-buildup-japans-arms-industry-struggles/

Can't they lift the spending cap on social services, education, and family services instead?

The five largest arms exporters in 2017–21 were the United States, Russia, France, China and Germany.

The five largest arms importers were India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Australia and China.

https://www.sipri.org/publications/2022/sipri-fact-sheets/trends-international-arms-transfers-2021

Can't they lift the spending cap on social services, education, and family services instead?

How will that deter others from attacking Japan, or prepare Japan to defend itself?

Japan being one of the worlds richest nations, third largest economy, it should be able to spend the average of 2% on defense and increase social services. If it reduced spending on subsidies for whaling and other areas that are much less important they would have plenty of funds and many things would end up cheaper. Subsidies for fruit growers charging an arm and a leg for produce that could be imported ten times cheaper as an example.

ASDF needs to upgrade their fleet including a stand-off force projection capability (relatively long range air to surface missiles).

MDF needs more subs and Aegis equipped ships to accompany the P-8 and SH-60 ASW platforms.

GDF needs some type of amphibious expeditionary force.

And the main islands need the Aegis ashore system (and if the boosters fall on someone’s property write them a check.)

China represents a real and increasing threat to Japan’s security and one doesn’t need to be a rightist or a warmonger to recognize that fact.

it’s time to up Japan’s mojo

This is not an increase it is double the budget

When you are sorounded by unfriendly nations like Russia, China and Korea, all with nuclear weapons, you have no choice but have a better defense.

This pathetic world did not learn history lessons, this was the same way first world war began, now we are nearer to a third world war, and the decadent US get richer and richer selling weapons and manipulating geopolitics in order to not continue sinking itself to the China's unstoppable growth..

Most pathetic comment ever.

The first & second world wars were started by nazis. Now the 3rd one will by started by the chinazis.

These American should not be station in the boondocks,they are not on duty all day

Not boondocks. And island with all the facilities they need, including nightlife and homes for their families.

Just away from the mainland. Esp the noisy planes.

Good idea.

Now, you should create some Reservist Units of foreign residents, if you want

more boots on the ground.

The move would open scope for the government to respond to a proposal by the ruling party to increase defense spending to 2% of Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) within five years.

Hopefully there is enough money in the budget to spend on 2 hydrogen powered hospital ships, a national vaccine production center and a couple of vertical aeroponic farms in large cities that can feed the population in the event of a blockade.

Also an emergency telecom ship or blimp or satellite that can provide emergency wifi service in the event of a natural disaster or war.

Does the Diet ever debate and vote on these kind of important issues? That's what happens in democracies.

Well, we now also get to worry about our kids and grandkids not only facing crippling debt even if they were just born, but never having a pension, never being able to retire (but still paying into pension), increase income tax, increased consumption tax, higher premiums on all social services and less returns, and then some. But hey, no cap on military spending.

Not quite that bad.

People are free to leave Japan, if they see things looking better for them elsewhere.

If you start out life hoping to get a pension rather than just providing for yourself within your own means or the means of your family, you are running a bigger risk, or are resigned to mediocre existence to begin with. That would be sad.

Pensions weren’t supposed to be a universal perk in the first place but people lost sight of that.

Higher tax rates is one possibility, but Japan’s whopping debt situation is beyond digging out of; I think a big reset scenario forced upon Japan by market forces is more likely.

More defense spending = more engineers , scientists, technicians, etc needed = more technical / training schools = more employment opportunities for Japanese graduates. 

It's a good way to spur the economy.

Yeah, worked great for North Korea…

@englisc

If you are not willing to defend yourself, why should the USA ? They are only there as allies

This is not only incorrect statement but also makes no sense in relating to the article

Japan pays to host USA forces and has a security agreement so NO ! They are definitely not "only there as allies" !

Obviously Japan is willing and able to protect itself hence that is exactly what the article is all about - military defense spending and playing a greater role in the security of the Asia-Pacific

If you are not willing to pay attention then why bother commenting ?

Fearmongering about crippling debt is only a CCP scar tactic. ….

If that breaks Japans bank then they need new financial management.

Did you not hear about the 40 trillion annual budget deficits, and the quadrillion yen of public debt?

Japan already needs new financial management.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do with Chinese one China policy and the unification of Taiwan.

China and Russia are not threatening Japan

Warning yes .

Japan is greedily wanting to become more powerful than necessary and using the Ukraine crisis as an excuse.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has absolutely nothing to do with Chinese one China policy and the unification of Taiwan.

China and Russia are not threatening Japan

Warning yes .

Japan is greedily wanting to become more powerful than necessary and using the Ukraine crisis as an excuse

So, how's life as a wu-mao?

Unification? You mean invasion.

As for greed, no one get beat the chinazis when it comes to being greedy.

@Wesley

Unification ? You mean invasion

Taiwan "is" China so obviously they won't be invading themselves ! !

Taiwan is an autonomous province of China but technically still in civil war.

Civil because its still China !

Taiwan still claims to be the rightful government of all China and hasn't claimed independence

Taiwan isn't officially recognized as an independent nation.

The people's Republic of China and the Republic of China - both are China !

Mao is dead and gone and his communist ideas went with him.

China is a democratic dictatorship and not communist.

Taiwan "is" China so obviously they won't be invading themselves ! !

No, it is not China. Taiwan is Taiwan. An independently governed democracy on an island since 1949 that China wants to own and rule against it's inhabitants will.

As Russia wants to rule Ukraine against it's inhabitants will.

If the CCP truly wants Taiwan to be a part of China then it needs to invite Taiwan's government to take over ruling the Chinese mainland, and the CCP can disband. That is the only way Taiwan would voluntarily rejoin the mainland.

Taiwan is an autonomous province of China but technically still in civil war.

Taiwan is a fully independent sovereign nation, who's recognition was blocked by the CCP who insist there is one China and Taiwan is part of it.

If there is only one China then I recognize Taiwan as the rightful ruler, ROC.

Japan should perhaps look at Israel's Iron Dome approach, and see if it can improve upon it - that should not cause any threat to neighboring Countries, but would instead be an additional protection for itself rather than simply replying upon the questionable Aegis system it is using at present.

Indeed, developing an effective defense system - be-it ground based, space-based, or both, would be something that Japan could sell to other Nations without being a threat to any nation.