Japan plans to revise its security strategy to include "human resources."
According to a report by Reference News Network on November 8, the Japanese government is coordinating plans to revise the "National Security Strategy" by the end of the year, aiming to expand the capability-building area intended to strengthen deterrence into "six pillars." In addition to the five pillars of the current strategy, a new pillar called "human resources" will be added.
Several government-related individuals disclosed this information. In the current strategy revised in 2022, the areas emphasized for enhancing "comprehensive national power" include defense capability, diplomatic power, economic power, technological power, and intelligence power. In this revision, "human resources," which Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has positioned as the "source of national power," will be explicitly included.
The government envisions organically combining these six types of power to strengthen deterrence and response capabilities. "Human resources" is also the cornerstone supporting the other five pillars.
The focus of building "human resources" covers increasingly important areas such as dual-use technologies, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and space. To adapt to the rapid technological development, the government will strive to ensure the acquisition and training of technical personnel, researchers, and administrative officials with expertise from industry, government sectors, and academia.
Within the Self-Defense Forces, the importance of specialized personnel is also becoming increasingly prominent. In the face of personnel shortages caused by a declining population, the Ministry of Defense plans to reduce reliance on human resources by introducing technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, and achieving this goal relies on talents proficient in cutting-edge technologies. (Translated by Liu Lin)
Japan is revising its National Security Strategy to include 'human resources' as a new pillar aimed at enhancing deterrence capabilities. This revision, planned for completion by the end of the year, will integrate six key areas, including defense, diplomacy, economy, technology, intelligence, and the newly added focus on human resources. The government emphasizes the need for skilled personnel in emerging fields such as dual-use technologies and artificial intelligence to support its defense initiatives.
- Japan is revising its National Security Strategy to include 'human resources' as a new pillar.
- The new strategy aims to enhance deterrence capabilities.
- The focus includes dual-use technologies, artificial intelligence, and space.
- The government plans to cultivate talent from various sectors to support defense efforts.
- The importance of specialized personnel in the Self-Defense Forces is increasing.