CNA Explains: What’s driving Japan’s urgent defence push?
Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has called for an urgent increase in the nation's defense capabilities. The government's latest white paper cites rising security threats from China, North Korea, and Russia as the primary drivers for this policy shift.
Why it matters
Japan's military buildup represents a significant shift in regional geopolitics and post-war security policy, impacting international relations in the Indo-Pacific.
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urged Japan to boost its defence capabilities with a greater "sense of urgency and crisis" on Tuesday (Aug 4), as a government white paper highlighted growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
Type 90 battle tanks of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are seen during a live fire exercise at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba on Jun 7, 2026. (File photo: AFP/Yuichi Yamazaki)
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