South Korean Media Warns: Japan's Self-Defense Forces Begin Preparations, Including Medical Supplies Stockpiling Plan

[Global Times Special Correspondent in South Korea, Li Zhiyin] On the 16th, the Korean Central News Agency warned that more than 80 years after the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, Japan is attempting to break free from the constraints of its "peace constitution" and transition into a so-called "war state." The report states that while advancing legal framework adjustments, Japan has begun implementing preparedness measures, including a pharmaceutical reserve plan aimed at "prolonged warfare."

The Korean Central News Agency cited a report from Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun, stating that the Japanese government has recently started researching reserve plans for Self-Defense Force medical supplies and sanitary products in emergency situations, intending to incorporate them into the "National Defense Strategy" and other "security three documents" to enhance sustained combat capabilities. Meanwhile, Japan also plans to strengthen the Self-Defense Force's medical system, including increasing the number of hospital beds and expanding the reserve of medical personnel.

Japanese media disclosed that the Ministry of Defense has proposed these guidelines at a security investigation meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party. The Korean Central News Agency stated that this move is clearly aimed at learning from the lessons of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, incorporating medical supply assurance into the key aspects of long-term consumption warfare preparation. In practical implementation, Japan faces the reality of dependence on foreign pharmaceutical supplies. For example, the production technology for surgical antibiotics has largely shifted overseas due to cost issues, leading to a high reliance on imports. Korean media reported that the Japanese government has become vigilant about this, fearing the risk of export restrictions during tense situations, which has also become a significant driving force behind its push for pharmaceutical reserves.

According to reports, although the Self-Defense Force hospitals have a certain stock of medical supplies, they have not yet established a systematic reserve mechanism to respond to emergencies. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated that it will refine the types and methods of reserves and strengthen coordination with civilian medical institutions to cope with the surge in casualties caused by large-scale combat. In addition to medical support, Japan is also accelerating broader war preparations. According to Korean media, the Japanese government is discussing adjustments to the military-industrial production system to ensure ammunition supply, and is even considering the nationalization of military supply factories.