Politics · Japan · 14 hrs ago
Japan may keep current wording on China in revised security strategy
Japan is unlikely to label China a threat in a security strategy it plans to revise by the end of the year.
The current strategy describes China’s actions as the greatest strategic challenge to Japan’s peace and security.
It uses stronger language for North Korea, calling it an “imminent threat” because of its nuclear and missile development.
Japan may avoid tougher wording on China to limit tensions in strained ties and to account for close economic links, as China is Japan’s largest trading partner.
The United States, Japan’s security ally, is also seeking a more stable relationship with China.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, are expected to begin discussions on the strategy as early as mid-November, before the government finalizes it.
Japan is unlikely to call China a “threat” in its revised national security strategy, sources close to the matter told Kyodo.
The government may retain the current description of China’s assertiveness as “the greatest strategic challenge.”
The strategy is due to be revised by the end of 2026.
The government is seeking to avoid further tension in strained ties with China.
Talks between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner are expected to begin as early as mid-November.
- Who
- The Japanese government.
- What
- It may retain its current wording on China in a revised national security strategy rather than call China a “threat.
- When
- The strategy is due to be revised by the end of 2026, with coalition discussions set to begin as early as mid-November.
- Where
- Japan.
- Why
- To avoid fueling further tensions in strained ties with China, while taking account of China’s status as Japan’s largest trading partner and close economic ties.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Japan’s current National Security Strategy was drawn up, describing China’s activities as an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge.
Discussions on the revised strategy are set to begin between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party.
The government plans to finalize the revised strategy.
- Current description
- China’s assertiveness is described as “the greatest strategic challenge
- Strategy drawn up
- 2022
- Strategy revision deadline
- By the end of 2026
- Coalition partners
- Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party
- China’s trading status
- Japan’s largest trading partner
What people are saying
It would be difficult to describe China as a 'threat.' We would take a realistic approach