Japanese Media: Japan's New Defense Strategy May Strengthen "Sustained Combat Capability"

Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, November 7 (Reporter Li Ziyue, Chen Zean) - Kyodo News reported on the 7th, citing relevant sources, that the Japanese government is considering explicitly including the strengthening of "sustained combat capability" in the "National Defense Strategy" to be revised at the end of the year. This development has raised concerns both within and outside the Japanese government.

According to reports, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has stated that ensuring and maintaining a "sustained combat capability" sufficient to respond to prolonged warfare has become a key issue, and it is necessary to stockpile relevant military supplies during peacetime while establishing a production increase mechanism after the outbreak of war.

The report also mentioned that the new version of the "National Defense Strategy" is expected to expand the Japanese government's involvement in the defense industry, including injecting funds into the defense industry and having the government own important weapons manufacturing facilities.

The report simultaneously pointed out that there are differing opinions within the Japanese government regarding whether to explicitly include the term "sustained combat capability." Some are concerned that this may lead outsiders to believe that the Japanese government is formulating security policies based on the premise of war.

Recently, the Japanese government's ongoing efforts to strengthen its so-called "defense forces" and expand armaments have sparked widespread concern and opposition within Japan. Protests have erupted in various parts of Japan, with demonstrators calling on the government to halt military expansion and avoid further escalating regional tensions.