Expert: High Budget and Expansion Go Hand in Hand, Japan's Military Expansion Ambitions Hard to Conceal

On the 19th, several Japanese media outlets revealed the full picture of the Japanese Ministry of Defense's budget request for the fiscal year 2027. Japan is significantly increasing its defense budget and vigorously developing offensive capabilities. Additionally, according to news from Japan on the 18th, the Ministry of Defense plans to implement a large-scale expansion in 2027, establishing three new departments. Externally, Japan and Australia continue to strengthen defense cooperation, with the scope of collaboration expanding from frigates to the field of long-range missile testing.

Experts analyze that Japan is systematically tearing up the post-war principle of "defensive defense," accelerating its shift towards offensive and expansionist security policies.

Special commentator Su Xiaohui: Japan's security policy is undergoing a dramatic shift; Japan is indeed breaking through the "defensive defense" principle, step by step freeing itself from the constraints of the post-war order. The attention on this expansion is because it is not merely an internal adjustment, but a large-scale addition and expansion, which inevitably means that Japan's military intentions will further increase, and its objectives will expand. This is especially relevant to the role played by Japan's "Defense Base Bureau," which is no longer just about Japan's basic defense needs, but involves the production of subsequent weaponry, ammunition stockpiles, and logistics support, among other related matters. In terms of international policy, Japan superficially claims to cooperate, but this involves arms sales and joint exercises with other countries. Moreover, the so-called "facilities" are not only bases for the Japan Self-Defense Forces but also for the U.S. military. Therefore, this expansion reflects that Japan, on one hand, wants to enhance its own capabilities, and on the other hand, is presupposing a state of conflict.

Researcher Ruan Zongze from the China Institute of International Studies: Japan is now accelerating its re-militarization, with military spending reaching new highs. Everything Japan is currently doing reflects a fundamental shift in its ideological concepts. Previously, Japan adhered to "defensive defense," but now all of this is aimed at tearing off the "defensive defense" label and shifting towards offense. Strategically, it is in an offensive posture, and the increase in military spending is also a form of offense, along with vigorous development and equipping of offensive weaponry.

Special commentator Su Xiaohui: Recently, the Japanese Minister of Defense's visit to Australia and Japan's intentions are quite clear; Japan aims to deeply bind itself to Australia through military-industrial cooperation. In April of this year, when then-Minister Koizumi Shinjiro visited Australia, both sides indeed signed a memorandum of understanding, with Japan intending to export upgraded "Mogami" class frigates to Australia. According to more detailed plans, Japan plans to manufacture three vessels in Japan and assemble eight vessels in Australia, further breaking through restrictions on defense equipment exports while deepening cooperation with Australia in this manner. Meanwhile, through this interaction with Australia, Japan aims to engage more deeply in regional security affairs, including some key issues. After exporting to Australia, Japan is also eyeing the markets of New Zealand and the South Pacific. Furthermore, through this defense cooperation, Japan seeks to extend its reach further into the South Pacific, pursuing the goal of becoming a military power.