LDP Candidates Must Sufficiently Debate Defense Issues

On September 24, the Japan National Press Club hosted a public debate featuring the five candidates seeking to replace Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). 

Their discussion covered a wide range of topics. Candidates highlighted measures to combat rising prices, other economic policies, and energy policy. They even debated the framework for a coalition government. However, we found it disappointing that the candidates failed to share any major differences on these issues. 

Rather, each candidate's presentation seemed to be an attempt to gain broad support ahead of a likely runoff election. Nonetheless, individually, they should clearly explain why they aspire to steer the ship of state amid a mountain of domestic and international challenges.

Still, it was good to see some debate related to national security. This is a topic that has not been addressed sufficiently in previous joint press conferences or TV debates. The candidates were also asked questions about the state of the Japan-US alliance under President Donald Trump. In addition, they were asked to address relations with China, which is increasing military pressure in the Asia-Pacific region.

From the Candidates

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Shinjiro Koizumi, is one of the leading candidates. Regarding the need for a drastic strengthening of Japan's defense capabilities, he said, "If our country itself is not strong, we cannot ensure the safety and security of our people." That statement was exactly right.

He also made the following statements: "We should steadily work to achieve defense spending equivalent to 2% of GDP." And, "We would like to consider the specific details of our defense capabilities and allocation of the necessary funds while also securing the nation's financial resources."

What did that mean? Perhaps he was referring to defense-related expenses, including the Japan Coast Guard budget. However, his clarity on that point was clearly inadequate. Koizumi must clearly articulate the future of defense spending beyond the current plan. Without a substantial increase in spending, it will be difficult to respond to the severe security environment.

Another candidate, former Minister of Economic Security Takayuki Kobayashi, appropriately declared: "2% is not enough. We should do better than that."

What's Missing

We would like to see all the candidates discuss national security issues more thoroughly. The country's three immediate anti-Japan neighbors ー China, Russia, and North Korea ー are nuclear-armed, authoritarian nations. Moreover, they are deepening their strategic ties with each other and posing a growing threat to Japan and the region. 

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has become a drone war. Preparations for involvement in new realms, such as cyberspace, are also urgently necessary. Japan cannot afford to lag in these areas. 

Although the candidates touched on security in general, they did not discuss Japan's response to Russia, which continues to invade Ukraine. Nor did they comment on North Korea, which in turn is strengthening its nuclear and missile capabilities. Importantly, they also failed to discuss North Korea's record of abductions of Japanese citizens. 

Domestic issues were also bypassed. The public should hear the candidates discuss the adoption of a stable imperial succession policy, the foundation of the nation. Furthermore, the candidates need to clarify their positions on the issue of constitutional reform.

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun