With Approved Budget, Takaichi Needs To Rebuild Economy, Defense

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Japan's Diet has concluded its extraordinary session after passage of the supplementary budget for FY2025. This is the budget which supports the government's comprehensive economic measures. It passed with the support of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its partner, Ishin no Kai, joined by the opposition Democratic Party for the People (DPP) and Komeito.

This was Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first Diet session since taking office, and she managed to navigate it adroitly while maintaining a high cabinet approval rating. 

Countermeasures to combat rising prices form the main pillar of the supplementary budget. The government must now quickly resolve confusion among local governments over rice coupons. It must also effectively implement various other measures to deal with affordability. Meanwhile, the question is whether these initiatives will lead to the creation of a strong economy.

Improving Deterrence

Increasing defense spending is essential to improve Japan's deterrence and response capabilities amidst a severe security environment. As approved, the FY2025 measures incorporate defense expenditures and related budgets, including the initial and supplementary budgets. The total of these allows the nation to reach the defense spending target of 2% of the FY2014 gross domestic product two years ahead of schedule. 

In the Diet, the Prime Minister said that a Taiwan emergency event, in which China might use force against the United States military, could possibly constitute an existential crisis for Japan. Her remarks drew a sharp backlash from China, which has subsequently been applying economic and other pressure on Japan.

A Chinese fighter jet launched from a Chinese aircraft carrier also provocatively illuminated with its radar an Air Self-Defense Force fighter jet that had scrambled in the area. The Takaichi administration responded to the incident in a calm and appropriate manner.

Opposition Myopia

Meanwhile, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) have criticized the Prime Minister's remarks. In doing so, they revealed their woeful lack of understanding of the realities of the security environment. 

There was no problem with the Prime Minister's statement since it merely reiterated existing government policy. Beneficially, it had the effect of informing the public of the severity of the present regional security situation and the need for enhanced deterrence against China. Therefore, the ruling parties and the DPP naturally decided that there is no need to retract the Prime Minister's statement.

Rather, it is China's leadership that should be criticized for that country's abnormal behavior. 

Clarity from Defense Minister

In the Diet, the JCP simply attacked the increase in defense spending. Responding, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urged them "to consider whom you should be speaking to." Koizumi noted that China's increase in military spending is outpacing that of Japan. Following up, the government should continue to conscientiously explain the need for robust strengthening of the nation's defense capabilities.

Although the situation was addressed to a degree during questioning in the Diet, there should have been more discussion. Specifically, the Diet should have considered the need for development of Japan's defense capabilities and implications of a possible Taiwan emergency situation.

Together, the ruling and opposition parties should also pass a resolution condemning the Chinese military's dangerous radar illumination.

During the recently concluded session, the Diet did pass a bill to abolish the provisional gasoline tax rate. Unfortunately, however, it did not even deliberate on the ruling parties' bill to reduce the number of members of the Lower House. 

RELATED:

• Takaichi Clear on Priority: Strengthen Defense Capabilities
• To Protect Taiwan, US Security Strategy Expects Much from Indo-Pacific Allies
• Chinese Military Jet Locks Radar Twice on JSDF Aircraft in Latest Provocation

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

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