Japan's Top Military Officer Calls for Strengthened Defense Capabilities and Enhanced Deterrence
General Yoshihide Yoshida, Chief of Staff of the Joint Staff of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), emphasizes the need for Japan to bolster its defense capabilities and enhance the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. security alliance to prevent military aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.
Yoshida highlights the importance of deterring potential adversaries, drawing parallels to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasizes that Japan must strengthen its own defense capabilities and increase its roles within the bilateral alliance to gain greater trust from the United States and solidify its commitment to Japan's defense.
Addressing the recent airspace breach by a Chinese military aircraft, Yoshida expresses concern and reaffirms Japan's commitment to countering such intrusions. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and expresses concern over China's attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas.
Yoshida acknowledges the growing collaboration between China and Russia and emphasizes the need to work with allies and like-minded countries to maintain a free and open international order. He also highlights the importance of intensifying security cooperation with countries concerned about this collaboration, including NATO members.
Yoshida discusses Japan's plans to acquire the capability to strike enemy bases as a deterrent against potential missile attacks. He clarifies that this capability is not intended for pre-emptive strikes and will be used in accordance with the three conditions for exercising Japan's right of self-defense.
Yoshida acknowledges the strategic challenge of keeping the United States committed to the Indo-Pacific region in the face of an increasingly assertive China. He emphasizes the strong relationship between the SDF and the U.S. military and their joint exercises. He also expresses confidence in the independence of Japan's command and control system despite planned reinforcement of coordination with the U.S. military.
Yoshida addresses concerns about visits by SDF officers to Yasukuni Shrine, stating that while individual visits are permissible, he will not visit the shrine while serving as Chief of Staff.
He acknowledges the recent scandals involving SDF members and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of discipline. He also addresses the issue of manpower shortages and outlines plans to utilize civilian personnel, reserve members, and artificial intelligence to address this challenge. Additionally, he highlights the SDF's commitment to increasing the number of female members.
Yoshida concludes by emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of responsibility and pushing forward with the SDF's duties.