Tokyo wants to upgrade Japan’s defense capacity. A demographic crisis could get in the way
In July, the Ministry of Defense released its annual “Defense of Japan” white paper, outlining the current state of Japan’s defense, security policies and regional and global threats. Typically the 500-plus page document arrives without much fanfare — but Japan’s East Asia neighbors expressed outrage over this year’s “warlike” cover, protesting the ink drawing of a warrior on horseback.
Taiwan, on the other hand, praised Japan’s firmer stance on the importance of Taiwan to regional security. To analysts, the paper gives some indication Japan can meet a long-standing U.S. desire for a more assertive security partner. Security experts have argued for several years that Japan is ready to break free from the confines of the peace constitution that has forbidden aggressive security policy for more than 75 years.… Seguir leyendo »