Pacifist Japan moving from exclusive self-defense to military buildup
By Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press
Dec 31, 2025
Japan is barreling forward with efforts to significantly boost its military capabilities to stand up to China’s growing threats by doubling annual arms spending. The goal comes as Tokyo’s main ally, the United States, pushes for more military assistance in Asia and a military hawk and ultra-conservative takes over Japan’s leadership.
Japan says it is still a peaceful nation and the buildup is necessary for a more self-reliant military that can better deter China. But Beijing and other critics see Japan as deviating from its postwar peace pledge, pointing to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement soon after taking office that any Chinese military action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response.
Japan’s transformation into one of the world’s major defense spenders has developed over decades and raises the question of whether the ongoing buildup is a violation of its pacifist constitution.
Here is a closer look.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2025/12/31/pacifist-japan-moving-from-exclusive-self-defense-to-military-buildup/
