US Welcomes Japan's Accelerated Defense Buildup Amidst Rising China Tensions

US Endorses Japan's Defense Expansion

United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has officially welcomed Japan's commitment to significantly accelerate its military buildup and defense spending. The endorsement comes as Japan aims to increase its defense budget to 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by fiscal year 2027, a move largely driven by growing concerns over China's assertive military activities across the Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Hegseth's remarks underscore the United States' support for a stronger Japanese defense posture, viewing it as crucial for regional stability and the robust US-Japan alliance.

Japan's Historic Shift in Defense Policy

Japan's decision represents a historic departure from its post-World War II pacifist stance, which traditionally capped defense spending at around 1% of GDP. This accelerated buildup is outlined in Japan's new National Security Strategy (NSS), National Defense Strategy (NDS), and Defense Buildup Program (DBP), which were unveiled in December 2022. For fiscal year 2025, Japan's Ministry of Defense has requested a record budget of approximately ¥8.54 trillion ($59.76 billion), with some reports indicating an approval of ¥8.7 trillion ($55.1 billion). This forms part of a broader five-year, 43-trillion-yen ($315-billion) military spending plan.

Key investments under this plan include:

• Acquisition of counterstrike capabilities, such as long-range precision weapons like the Tomahawk missile and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles.
• Further procurement of F-35 joint strike fighters.
• Development of a new military small satellite constellation for target detection and tracking.
• Enhanced capabilities in cyber warfare and the space domain.
• Transition towards unmanned platforms, phasing out older helicopter fleets.

Strengthening the US-Japan Alliance

Secretary Hegseth, during recent meetings with Japanese counterparts, emphasized the shared understanding of regional threats. He stated, 'We don't have to stand here and tell Japan what it needs to do because we both look out at the world and see the threat of a Chinese military buildup, and we see the threat to free people, and we have to defend our own countries and stand alongside each other.' While the US has previously encouraged Japan to increase its defense spending, with some officials suggesting targets higher than 2% of GDP, Japan maintains that it determines its own defense budget. The US-Japan alliance is consistently highlighted as a cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Regional Implications Amidst China's Assertiveness

The acceleration of Japan's defense capabilities is a direct response to what Tokyo describes as 'the most severe and complex security environment since the end of World War II.' China's military modernization and increasingly assertive actions are a primary driver. These include:

• Increased maritime pressure and a near-constant presence of vessels in the East China Sea, particularly around the Senkaku Islands.
• Military exercises around Taiwan, including ballistic missile launches that have landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone.
• Assertive actions and territorial claims in the South China Sea, prompting other Asian nations to explore new security arrangements.

These activities have led to concerns about potential miscalculation and increased regional tensions, making Japan's enhanced defense posture a significant development for the Indo-Pacific.