Motegi said Japan’s further strengthening of its military capability is essential in order to adapt to emerging new warfare, such as drone swarms in the war against Ukraine, as well as responses to cyberattacks. While firmly pursuing the ongoing five-year military buildup, the government will also review it, “and we hope to firmly convey our plans to the US side”, Motegi said.
Japan is expected to face tough demands from Trump to further increase its defence spending to NATO levels of 5 per cent of GDP, more purchases of costly American arsenals and additional spending for some 50,000 US troops in Japan under the bilateral security pact.
“Our national defence should be based on our own independent decision,” Motegi said. “What’s important is not the amount or the GDP ratio but what’s in it.”
He also said he hopes to meet with his counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at the earliest time possible to discuss further strengthening of the deterrence and response capability of the Japan-US alliance.
Motegi returns to the post for the second time after serving from 2019 to 2021, during Trump’s first term, when he earned a reputation as a tough negotiator. He is also tasked with following up on the Japan-US tariffs agreement.
He said he hoped to work toward “sincere and steady implementation of the agreement” to promote and ensure mutual benefits, economic security and growth.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-says-plans-tell-trump-build-up-military-upgrade-security-strategy-5417341
