Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks in an interview. December 15, inside the National Diet (©Sankei by Shunsuke Sakamaki)
In an exclusive interview with The Sankei Shimbun, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warned of China's expanding "information warfare" conducted through diplomatic channels and social media. The December 15 interview followed remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the Diet.
"China is actively communicating its position to the world at the ministerial level," Kishida said. "It is essential that Japan also clearly conveys its stance at the ministerial and political level." He voiced concern over Beijing's efforts to shape international public opinion.
Kishida also stressed the importance of securing sustained attention from the United States, noting that President Donald Trump has largely avoided direct comment on growing Japan–China tensions. "We must ensure that the United States, our only ally, remains engaged," he said.
Excerpts follow.
Reassessing the Three Security Documents
December 16 marks three years since your administration approved the three national security documents, including the National Security Strategy, in 2022. How do you assess their significance today?
At a historic turning point marked by deepening divisions and confrontation in the international community, I undertook the fundamental strengthening of Japan's defense capabilities with a strong sense of responsibility as prime minister.
My aim was to protect the lives and livelihoods of the Japanese people and to safeguard Japan's peace and independence.
The decision to include 'counterstrike capabilities' in the three security documents was grounded in deterrence: a recognition that rapid advances in missile technology require the ability to dissuade potential adversaries from acting.
Evolving Warfare
The Takaichi administration aims to revise the three security documents by the end of 2026. How do you view the need for revisions at this stage?
I believe the previous three security documents established a solid framework. That said, even in the short time since their adoption, the character of warfare has changed markedly, with the rapid emergence of drones and other new technologies. It is for this reason, I believe, that Prime Minister Takaichi has decided the documents require renewed and thorough debate.
What matters most, just as when I oversaw their original formulation, is not to begin with predetermined budget figures, but to exercise independent judgment and methodically build the capabilities that are genuinely necessary. That must come first.
What is your view on eliminating the "five categories" that limit defense equipment exports under the operational guidelines of the Three Principles?
With respect to defense equipment transfers, the Three Principles have long been fundamental and will remain so. At the same time, it is reasonable to consider a realistic review of how those principles are implemented in practice.
Japan-China Relations
How do you view the deterioration in Japan-China relations?
Social media posts by Xue Jian, China's consul general in Osaka, were widely reported and were wholly inappropriate for a diplomat. That said, Japan and China have reaffirmed at the leadership level their commitment to promoting a 'strategic, mutually beneficial relationship,' and precisely because there are concerns and challenges, dialogue must continue.
In the international information arena, China is actively communicating its message to the world, including at the ministerial level. Japan, too, must clearly articulate its position overseas, and in doing so, communication at the ministerial and political level is essential.
What concerns me is that amid increasingly tense exchanges between Japan and China, President Trump has remained silent. While Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has offered balancing remarks, such as noting the importance of the Japan-US alliance and the maintenance of good relations with China, we must ensure that the US, our sole ally, remains fully engaged.
How do you evaluate the Prime Minister's administration so far?
High public support for the Prime Minister is something the ruling party should welcome. At the same time, the Diet has entered an era of multi-party politics, in which decision-making has become increasingly difficult. What matters most is a sustained effort to deliver results, and the ruling party must provide firm and consistent support in that endeavor.
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(Read the article in Japanese.)
Authors: Shingo Nagahara, Shigeyuki Mizuchi, The Sankei Shimbun
