Japan is accelerating a historic shift in its defense posture, embarking on an ambitious military modernization program that includes doubling annual arms spending to counter perceived threats from China. This strategic pivot occurs as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, known for her hawkish security views, assumes leadership amid increasing pressure from the United States for greater military cooperation in Asia.
The government maintains that Japan remains committed to peaceful principles while building a more self-reliant defense capability to deter Chinese aggression. However, Beijing and other critics argue these developments represent a fundamental departure from Japan’s postwar pacifist constitution. Tensions escalated when Takaichi suggested that Chinese military action against Taiwan could justify Japanese intervention—a significant break from previous leaders’ strategic ambiguity.
Japan’s constitutional transformation has evolved over decades. Article 9 of the U.S.-drafted 1947 constitution originally renounced war and prohibited maintaining military forces. The creation of the Self-Defense Forces in 1954 began a gradual reinterpretation of these restrictions. A landmark change occurred in 2014 under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who reinterpreted Article 9 to allow collective self-defense, enabling Japan to use force if allies are attacked.
Recent Chinese military activities have intensified Tokyo’s concerns. In December, Chinese aircraft locked targeting radars on Japanese planes during carrier drills near southwestern Japan. Two Chinese carriers were also spotted operating near Iwo Jima—the first such occurrence—demonstrating Beijing’s expanding military reach near disputed territories.
Takaichi’s administration recently approved a record defense budget exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the coming year, focusing on developing strike-back capabilities with cruise missiles and unmanned systems. The government plans to further relax arms export restrictions and promote defense industry cooperation with allies like the UK, Italy, and Australia through joint projects including next-generation fighter jets.
A government-commissioned panel has even proposed developing nuclear submarines for extended deterrence—a controversial suggestion for the only nation to suffer atomic bombings. While Japan officially maintains its three non-nuclear principles, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi acknowledged considering all options for new submarines, indicating continued evolution in Japan’s security posture.