In his first policy speech, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba compared the current situation in Ukraine to a potential future scenario in East Asia. He expressed concern over the failure of deterrence in Ukraine. He warned “many fear that today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia. Why did deterrence not work in Ukraine?” Ishiba asked.
Ishiba did not mention China directly, but Japan’s relationship with Beijing has worsened as It increases its military presence around disputed territories in the region. Taiwan is a particular area of concern. Japan has also upset China with plans to significantly increase defence spending and strengthen security alliances with the US and its partners, such as the Philippines and South Korea.
In August, a Chinese military aircraft made the first confirmed incursion by China into Japanese airspace. Weeks later, a Japanese warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time. Ishiba has expressed support for creating a regional military alliance similar to NATO, stating on Tuesday that the security environment in Asia is “the most severe since the end of World War II.”
During the campaign for the leadership of the LDP, Ishiba, with an eye on the tensions in the Taiwan Strait, touted the establishment of a regional collective security framework modeled after NATO. Ukraine was invaded because it’s not part of NATO, Ishiba repeatedly said during the campaign.
For Japan, the United States and other allies, China’s claims over democratic Taiwan are of particular concern. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.
On defense, Ishiba said his administration will soon set up a panel to discuss an improvement of working conditions for Self-Defense Forces personnel.
He highlighted the increasing division and confrontation within the international community, particularly in light of the situation in the Middle East.
Team BharatShakti
