Japan plans to incorporate "deterrence capability" into three security documents.

Reference News Network reported on November 13 According to the Japan Economic News on November 11, the Japanese government will explicitly include the concept of "deterrence" when revising the three security documents at the end of the year. The documents will emphasize the expansion of drone and long-range missile deployments, focusing on preventing enemy approaches. This move aligns with the strategic direction of the Trump administration in the United States.

On the 10th, during a ruling coalition meeting between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, the Japanese government outlined the framework of the three security documents. Among them, the "deterrence" to curb enemy invasion is listed as one of the pillars. This concept was not included in the three security documents revised by the Kishida Fumio government in 2022.

"Deterrence" generally refers to the ability to render enemy military actions unsuccessful. Ryo Yamaguchi, an associate professor at Tokyo International University, said, "It is a concept that denies the opponent's success in actions, making it impossible for them to advance smoothly." For Japan, which is surrounded by the sea, the scenarios for its application are expected to include preventing enemy landing operations in the southwestern islands.

The background of this plan is to strengthen consistency with the strategy of the Trump administration. The "Defense Strategy Report" released by the Trump administration in January of this year mentioned the deterrence strategy. The document emphasizes the need to build a strong deterrent defense system along the "first island chain" from Okinawa through Taiwan to the Philippines.

If Japan and the United States can coordinate their mid- to long-term strategies, it will be easier to collaborate on details such as operations, equipment, and troop deployments.

To enhance deterrence, Japan will also build "more effective cooperation with like-minded countries." Specifically, it will deepen cooperation with countries such as Australia, South Korea, and India.

The Japanese government plans to elaborate on the relevant applications of technological innovations such as artificial intelligence in the three security documents. The document will list diplomacy, defense, economy, technology, intelligence, and talent as six key areas that need strengthening.

Regarding the Self-Defense Forces' defensive capabilities, drones, long-range missiles, air defense networks, and sustained combat capabilities will be positioned as the "four major capabilities" and prioritized for development. The plan aims to increase the reserves and deployment of long-range missiles to enhance the ability to deter enemy invasions from a distance.

Increasing the number of drones will alleviate the burden on frontline personnel responsible for vigilance and surveillance during peacetime. In times of conflict, drones can undertake tasks traditionally performed by humans—from intelligence gathering to attacks—thereby reducing the risk of being targeted by enemy attacks.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on November 11, to complete the revision of the three security documents within the year, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party initiated working-level consultations on the 10th. There are differences between the two parties on three topics: "nuclear submarines," "three non-nuclear principles," and "defense spending," which will become the main focus of these consultations. The current situation is that there is a tug-of-war between the Innovation Party, which advocates bold policy changes, and the more cautious Liberal Democratic Party, with both sides striving to reach a consensus by mid-December.

On the issue of whether to possess nuclear submarines, the Innovation Party is calling for the swift introduction of nuclear submarines. The Liberal Democratic Party advocates that to have submarines capable of launching long-range missiles, it should "utilize next-generation power systems," but has not explicitly stated that this power system is nuclear-powered.

Regarding the "non-introduction" principle in the "three non-nuclear principles," which prohibits the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan, the Innovation Party urges a "realistic discussion." On the other hand, key personnel from the Liberal Democratic Party pointed out that "the resolution of the Diet clearly states adherence to the 'three non-nuclear principles,' which carries significant weight," thus the party has not included discussions on amending this principle in its proposal.

The Innovation Party advocates that by the fiscal year 2026, security-related expenditures, including defense spending, should account for more than 2% of GDP, while the Liberal Democratic Party has not proposed a specific numerical target.

The direction of internal consultations within the ruling coalition may hinge on the actions taken by the Prime Minister's Office, which maintains close communication with the Innovation Party. Sanae Takaichi, before assuming the role of Prime Minister, expressed objections to continuing adherence to the "non-introduction" principle of the "three non-nuclear principles." It is reported that Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshi Kajiyama has a strong desire to introduce nuclear submarines, and there are proposals within the government that specify researching the introduction of such equipment. (Translated by Chen Rui and Ma Xiaoyun)