On Saturday, Japan’s defense minister stated that despite its expanding military power, Tokyo would not use it to threaten other countries, instead emphasizing diplomatic efforts and diplomacy to avoid misunderstandings.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security forum in Singapore attended by 600 participants from 49 countries, Yasukazu Hamada remarked, “We do not seek rivalry or conflict.”
Japan’s aggressive policies before and during WWII continue to strain relations with some nations, particularly South Korea and China.
Despite having a constitution that renounces war imposed on it by the United States in 1947, Japan has been increasing its defense capabilities in recent years. In December, it unveiled its largest military buildup since the end of World War II.
Hamada insisted that Japan’s goal was never to become a military superpower that threatened other countries.
He said the defense ministry would initially try to resolve the issue through diplomatic channels.
“As a nation that generally desires peace, we aim to enhance our own and original deterrent capabilities and promote the resolution to differences in interest and opinions through dialogue,” he said.
Japan’s defense budget will quadruple over the next five years, so the country may purchase longer-range missiles to discourage China from using force in East Asia.
The administration of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is concerned that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may encourage China to invade Taiwan.
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