The government will revise its three key security documents by the end of the year, adding AI and drones and preparing for a protracted war with China in mind, while keeping the non-nuclear principles.
The three documents — the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy and the Defense Buildup Program — were last drawn up 4 years ago. The government wants to press further ahead with building an environment that stops attacks on Japan early, citing changes in the security environment since then, including the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
Long-war readiness and a bigger budget
The revision calls for promoting the introduction of AI and unmanned systems. It also aims to strengthen the ability to respond if a conflict drags on, with China and others in mind.
That requires a large increase in defense spending. Talks on the size of the increase and how to pay for it are expected to be difficult.
Ishin's demands and the nuclear question
Nippon Ishin no Kai is asking the Liberal Democratic Party to review the three non-nuclear principles — the policy of not possessing, not producing and not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan — and to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
According to a government official, the non-nuclear principles will be maintained. On nuclear-powered submarines, a proposal has emerged to state that a study will be carried out on whether such a vessel can be realized.
How far the LDP and Ishin can stay in step will be another point in the debate ahead.