As the United States' relationships with China and North Korea have become more uncertain, the security environment around Japan has become severe. Defense capabilities must be steadily built up while strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance.
The Defense of Japan 2020 white paper has been released. It describes North Korea's nuclear and missile development as "grave and imminent threats to Japan's security." It mentioned for the first time the possibility of North Korea attacking Japan with ballistic missiles that can be topped with small nuclear warheads.
North Korea has repeatedly launched a new type of missile that flies on an irregular trajectory. There are many who are concerned that the missile could elude Japan's defense shield.
Last month, the Japanese government decided not to introduce the Aegis Ashore land-based interception system, a necessary part of the nation's missile defense. The white paper cited as the reason for the decision that it would require considerable cost and time to ensure that the boosters will land in the sea or elsewhere.
However, such a technical issue should have been pointed out long ago.
When the government decided to introduce the system in 2017, it calculated the cost of two units of the system at 160 billion yen, but later changed its explanation to say the cost would reach 470 billion yen, including the operating expenses.
It must be said that the government's technological examinations and the outlook on the purchase plan were naive. To ensure that the stability of the nation's defense policy is not undermined, the government needs to carefully examine the circumstances this time surrounding the aborted plan to introduce Aegis Ashore.
Taking into account the decision not to introduce the system, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is considering acquiring the capability to attack enemy bases in the event of an imminent attack by an enemy.
If a large number of missiles are launched, it is difficult to shoot down all of them. It makes sense from the perspective of deterrence to secure the capability to counterattack with cruise missiles and other weapons.
It is significant that the Self-Defense Forces complements the U.S. military's strike capability to deepen the alliance. In order to avoid a situation in which the capability to attack enemy bases is confused with an illegal preemptive attack under international law, it is worth considering changing the naming of the capability to attack enemy bases.
The white paper described China, which has continued its military buildup, as a strong security concern. It criticized that Chinese government vessels have "relentlessly continued" their activities around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. Such coercive behavior cannot be overlooked.
China has been promoting the integrated operation of its coast guard, which is China's maritime security agency, and its military. Chinese government ships armed with machine guns and other weaponry are also noticeable near the islands.
The preparedness to defend territory should be strengthened through close cooperation between the Japan Coast Guard and the SDF. It is important that the number of patrol vessels stationed in southwest waters off Kyushu will be increased and these vessels will cooperate with destroyers in conducting warning and surveillance activities.
The SDF has stationed missile units on Amami-Oshima island and Miyako Island. It is hoped that deterrence will be enhanced by deploying units to remote islands in a planned manner.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 15, 2020.
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