National | FOCUS Sep 22, 2020
Don't pursue strike capability or NATO-like Asia, scholars tell Suga
by Ko Hirano
The scholars expect Japan to take the lead in influencing China's conduct in line with international law and norms.
National Sep 22, 2020
Japan to seek record defense budget under Suga's continuity policy
A specialized electronic warfare unit, new ASDF fighter jets and the replacement for the Aegis Ashore missile defense system will be covered by the budget request.
World Sep 21, 2020
Biden would push for less U.S. reliance on nukes for defense
The United States is at a turning point in deciding the future of its weapons arsenal.
Asia Pacific Sep 13, 2020
China’s Defense Ministry on Sunday blasted a critical U.S. report on the country’s military ambitions, saying it is the U.S. instead that poses the biggest threat to the international order and world peace. The statement follows the Sept. 2 release of the annual Defense Department ...
National | ANALYSIS Sep 12, 2020
Abe lays groundwork for strike capability, but leaves decision to Japan’s next leader
by Jon Herskovitz and Isabel Reynolds
In his last full week on the job, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid the groundwork for a plan to allow preemptive strikes on enemy bases.
National Sep 11, 2020
Japan to come up with missile defense plan by end of year, says Abe
There is no change to the country's exclusively defense-oriented policy, the prime minister said in a statement released just days before he is to leave office.
National Sep 7, 2020
The acquisition is in line with the medium-term defense buildup program for 2019-2023.
National / Politics Sep 6, 2020
Abe expected to issue statement this week on new missile defense strategy
The prime minister is apparently hoping to prevent the issue from being shelved by announcing the statement before he steps down.
Asia Pacific Sep 5, 2020
Images suggest North Korea may be preparing launch of submarine missile
Satellite imagery of a North Korean shipyard on Friday shows activity suggestive of preparations for a test of a medium-range submarine-launched ballistic missile, a U.S. think tank reported on Friday. The Center for Strategic and International Studies said the images it published on its website ...
National | ANALYSIS Sep 5, 2020
Japan strike capability could stoke simmering tensions in Asia
by Reito Kaneko
Experts say the move could drag Japan into a dangerous arms race with China that might force it to consider the acquisition of offensive weapons.
National Sep 4, 2020
Japan considers building new destroyers solely for missile defense
The government hopes to include costs related to the new idea in fiscal 2021 budget requests to be compiled at the end of this month.
Asia Pacific Sep 2, 2020
China looking to double nuclear stockpile in next decade, Pentagon says
by Jesse Johnson
The United States' congressionally mandated report said China currently possesses a stockpile “estimated to be in the low 200s.”