Japan revamps defense guideline

12-18-2010 09:00 BJT

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Japan has adopted a more proactive guideline for defense, including a new fiscal program for the next 4 years. The revision is to address threats in the oceans south and west of the nation.

The new National Defense Program Guidelines allow for a more flexible response to threats and a beefing-up of security as Japan enters a new era.

Ttshimi Kitazawa, Japan's Defense Minister, said, "I think we have been able to put forth a defense policy, which includes troops with mobility, that is appropriate for the tough security environment and the new era."

The new guidelines reflect a shift from the old basic defense concept, which is designed to maintain the minimum necessary basic defense capability for Japan to avoid becoming a destabilizing force in the region.

It introduced a new concept, called "dynamic defense capability", which is aimed to make Japan's Self-Defense Forces troops more ready, mobile and flexible to address security concerns.

Yoshito Sengoku, Japan's Chief Gog't Spokesperson, said, "Our basic idea is to shift our former defense plan in order to accommodate the current situation. We also stand by our fundamental principle to stick to our defense-oriented policy in accordance with the Japanese constitution and never to become a military giant."

The guidelines stress Japan's need to strengthen its defense cooperation with those countries it shares "democratic values" with, such as South Korea, Australia and India, in addition to its key ally, the United States.

The outline also plays up China's military threat, saying China 's rise and increasing naval activities in waters surrounding Japan are a "matter of concern".

It also says Japan will boost the number of Maritime Self-Defense Force submarines from 16 to 22 and deploy Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor missiles across the country to counter possible ballistic missile threats.

The defense outline is reviewed every 10 years or when a major change in the security situation occurs.