The Abe Cabinet's decision on defense policy is highly problematic because it is bent on increasing the nation's defense capabilities without self-restraint. Contrary to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's intention of making Japan safer, the new defense policy carries the risk of increasing tension in Northeast Asia and destabilizing the security environment around Japan, thus reducing Japan's security.
On Tuesday the Cabinet endorsed a national security strategy (NSS), Japan's first comprehensive guideline for security policy and diplomacy, along with a new defense program outline and a new five-year defense buildup program. Behind the decision is China's military buildup and its attempts to increase its military presence in Northeast Asia as well as North Korea's programs to develop nuclear weapons and missiles.
The NSS says Japan has followed the basic policy of maintaining a defense-only defense posture, refraining from becoming a military power and upholding the principles of not manufacturing, not possessing and not permitting the entry of nuclear weapons, and "will make firm its walk as a nation of pacifism."