Japan faces a growing need to strengthen its military capabilities, driven by increasing regional threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasized. In a preface to the annual defense white paper, Koizumi called for 'further reinforcement and transformation' of Japan's defense capabilities with a'stronger sense of urgency and crisis than ever before'.
The new white paper highlights the intensifying military activities of China in the Asia-Pacific region, including extending operations beyond the first island chain to the second. It also notes the strengthening of military cooperation between China and Russia, as well as Russia and North Korea.
Japan has already taken steps to boost its military, including increasing spending, deploying missile launchers to outer islands, and acquiring 'counter-strike' capabilities. However, the white paper underscores the challenges Japan faces in its production base, which could impact procurement and innovation.
In 2025, Japanese jets scrambled 595 times, with 366 sorties against Chinese aircraft and 214 against Russian planes, reflecting ongoing tensions. Despite these efforts, Japan continues to face criticism from China, which views Japan's military buildup as a return to 'new militarism'.
Koizumi also highlighted the importance of strengthening alliances and security cooperation with countries like the United States, Philippines, Australia, and South Korea. He stressed the need to build 'multilayered networks among allies and like-minded countries' to enhance resilience across the Indo-Pacific region.
