Defense of Japan: The Annual White Paper

The Defense of Japan 2021 (DOJ) White Paper shows Japan's seriousness towards strengthening its defence preparedness by highlighting the strategic issues and challenges which the country is facing in its immediate environment. The document also sheds light on the alliances formed by Japan to tackle the challenges and how it has readied itself for the same.

It was for the first that Japan's annual defence white paper explicitly cited that Taiwan's stability is an important factor for Japan's national security along with that of the international community. The paper very succinctly expresses that the military balance between Taiwan and China is moving heavily in China's favor and this is a serious cause of concern. China considers the self-ruled Taiwan as a rogue province and has vowed to make it a part of mainland China. This has led to several confrontations between the two states as well as in international order. The whitepaper further talks about how Japan must pay attention to the strengthening of Japanese and Taiwanese forces and the increasing sales of arms to the latter by the United States along with Taiwan's indigenous weapon development. Japan’s stance on Taiwan was very well received by the Taiwanese, United States and allied partners but has been condemned highly by Beijing. Japanese policymakers have been alarmed by China’s behavior especially post the 100^th anniversary speech by Xinping, where he reiterated his desire for national reunification. Additionally, US Indo Pacific Command has warned America and its allies about the possibility of a conflict within the next six years, especially in the Indo Pacific region.

Japan has maintained amicable relations with Taiwan and has supported its demand for democracy. But the declaration of protecting the interests of Taiwan, can be seen as a great departure from previous Japanese policies. Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, who has been supporting Taiwan for a long time, said that Japan and the U.S must defend Taiwan together if China mounts an attack on the island. This clearly suggests that the U.S and Japan are tilting heavily towards Taiwan to maintain a strategic advantage when it comes to China.

The White paper has also highlighted the issue of Chinese assertiveness that is aimed directly towards Japan. China is relentlessly trying to change the status quo in the South China Sea via military expansion near Senkaku Island, an inherent territory of Japan. The islands are bone of contention between China which claims it as Diaoyudao island and Taiwan which claims it as Diaoyutai. According to the Japanese sources, between April to August 2020, China Coast Guard vessels were confirmed to be within the contiguous zone near the islands for around 111 days. This has been perceived as a security threat by Japan.

The white paper has also highlighted that the Coast Guard Law of People's Republic of China, the Coast Guard authorities have the right to use weapons. This law was enacted in January 2021 and entered into force in February 2021. The document highlights that this law is not in tandem with international law. More so, there is ambiguity about the geographical area in which this rule applies and rules governing the usage of weapons. Japan sees this law as not only an infringement of international laws but also a means of escalating tensions in the South China sea. It has called for countries to work on this matter as it is completely unacceptable.

The White paper also stated that North Korea’s Nuclear and Missile Development poses a threat to Japanese security. During the 8th Congress of the Korean workers' Party held in 2021, Chairman Kim Jong-un of North Korea spoke about further enhancement of nuclear and missile capabilities which have the ability of mass destruction.

The government took advantage of white paper to talk about its allies and partners. While listing down the challenges, the government highlighted that these challenges cannot be dealt by a single country. While it is mobilizing its capabilities and strengths, support from other countries in the region is a key factor for Japan. The document highlighted U.S - Japan cooperation not only in the military sphere but also the diplomatic support which both the countries have provided to each other, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Australia has been a de facto supporter of Japan and over the years, both the countries have developed strong strategic friendship. India is another country on which Japan bids when it comes to regional order.

To talk more about its role in the region and in cooperation with the other countries, Japan used the white paper to color its recent developments in the areas of defence and technology - cyberspace, space and electromagnetic field. Japan has invested with countries in building defence technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum technology, 5G and hypersonic weapons. The paper also talked about the development of the Japanese Tomahawk, a standoff missile.

The white paper has received a lot of criticism, especially from Beijing where Beijing diplomatic offices have taken a sharp stand against the paper. At the same time, in its own country, the presentation of the white paper has been criticized for its warlike image. The image of the samurai on a horse signified military expansion/protection and aggressive policies, a big departure from the previous presentations made. This has led to many people questioning whether Japan would still follow its commitment to pacifism. The Japanese office responsible for the white paper said that samurai expressed the "guard and defend position" not "assault". The warrior is unarmed and is holding a rein. But one cannot ignore the military tone which the white paper holds. The cover also signals Japan's glorious past of foreign expansion. Therefore, domestically, the white paper is also one of the means to influence public opinion so that they are on board with the government policies. Japan has seen a rise in nationalism, where the younger generation is taking more interest in politics of security.

But it also shows a big change in the politics of Japan. Unlike Abe’s governance style, Suga’s administration does not shy away from taking out its gun and pointing it at the enemy. A blunt response in the form of a white paper showcases Japan’s perception of its politics and agendas. One can also say that Suga is determined to uphold Japan’s national interests and regional governance through diplomacy, alliances and if need be, military confrontation.

The white paper has been rolled out at a very strategic time when the anti-China sentiment is high, especially with the pandemic not coming to an end. China has received a lot of flak for its Covid mishandling which has just made it more aggressive in achieving its ambitions in the global area. The expansionist behavior has been met with not only aggressive opponents, but has also led to a creation of intense battlefields. One such battlefield is the Indo-Pacific and Japan and its Quad members do not want to lose out. Hence, the white paper comes as a clear, precise document which has sharpened conflict lines between the competitors in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Pic Courtesy-Alain Pham at unsplash.com

(The views expressed are those of teh author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)