The document, signed by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, does not seek to obfuscate the military buildup, nor hide the claim that Japan is facing a great danger from China, while also including Russia and North Korea as threats. Some quotes from the document show this:
· “The security environment surrounding Japan is as severe and complex as it has ever been since the end of World War II. Even in East Asia, the possibility of serious situations taking place that might shake the foundation of the stable postwar international order cannot be ruled out… In the Indo-Pacific, not only are China and North Korea further strengthening their military capabilities, China-Russia and Russia-North Korea are also reinforcing their cooperation.”
· “It is imperative that Japan further reinforce and transform its defense capabilities with a stronger sense of urgency and crisis than ever before.”
· “The Japan-U.S. Alliance is a key pillar of our national security policy. During my meeting with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth this January, we confirmed that Japan and the U.S. have been working closely together under the unwavering Alliance and exchanged candid views on concrete measures to further enhance Japan-U.S. defense cooperation. I will make continued efforts to elevate the Alliance to new heights.”
