Tokyo
CNN
—
Rising geopolitical tensions have brought the world to a “historic tipping point” and forced Japan to change its defense posture, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Sunday, as he looks to meet US President Joe Biden next week. He spoke to CNN ahead of the upcoming summit meeting.
In an interview at his private residence in Tokyo, Mr. Kishida said, “We are facing a historic turning point, as we are witnessing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the continuing situation in the Middle East, and the situation in East Asia.'' Stated.
“Therefore, Japan has decided to fundamentally strengthen its defense capabilities and has made major changes to Japan's security policy in these areas.”
The prime minister stressed that the Japan-U.S. alliance is “more important than ever” amid growing security challenges, a position he hopes will garner bipartisan support in Washington. said.
Kishida made the remarks days before his meeting with Biden in Washington on Wednesday. He will also address a joint session of Congress and participate in the first-ever trilateral summit between Japan, the United States and the Philippines.
The Kishida-Biden summit is a historic opportunity for both countries to modernize their alliance in light of regional threats, from North Korea's weapons tests and growing ties with Russia to Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and Taiwan. The US government characterizes it as such.
While the partnership with Japan has long been central to U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific, defense ties have expanded under Mr. Kishida, who has raised Japan's profile in global and regional security.
Since taking office in 2021, the prime minister has overseen a fundamental shift in Tokyo's defense posture, departing from the pacifist constitution imposed by the United States after World War II and raising defense spending to about 2% of Japan. By 2027, he will expand GDP and gain the ability to fight back.
The move is not without controversy, particularly in China and other parts of Asia, which suffered greatly under Japanese militarism during the World War II era.
When asked about these changes, Mr. Kishida pointed to the “tough and complex” security environment surrounding the East Asian country, which is the world's fourth largest economy.
“Some of our neighbors are developing ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons, while others are increasing their defense capabilities in opaque ways. “unilateral attempts are being made,'' he said, apparently referring to China's maritime aggression related to territorial disputes with both the Philippines and Japan.
He argued that building Japan's deterrence and response capabilities is also “essential” to the alliance with the United States.
“I hope that the United States understands this and can work together to improve peace and stability in the region. Through my visit, I believe it is important to demonstrate to the world that we will continue to advance U.S.-Japan cooperation.” I think so,” Kishida said.
Next week's event will also serve as a platform for deepening escalation between Japan and the Philippines, another important regional partner and mutual defense treaty ally of the United States.
The meeting comes less than a year after the landmark talks between the United States, Japan and South Korea, and the summit comes amid heightened concerns about Japan's centrality in the United States' Indo-Pacific security strategy and rising tensions in the region. He emphasized the promotion of stronger cooperation with allies and partners. .
Mr. Kishida's visit with Mr. Biden next week also comes as both leaders face uncertainty at home.
Japan's prime minister has suffered from dismal approval ratings following scandals largely tied to his party, and with the US election looming, a major shift in policy could occur if former President Donald Trump returns to the White House next year. sexuality is increasing.
Both during his administration and in recent years, President Trump has repeatedly thrown cold water on U.S. defense and security treaties, upsetting allies in Asia and Europe alike.
Kishida declined to comment on whether he was concerned about the former president's return. Rather, he expressed his belief that the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance is widely recognized “regardless of party affiliation.”
“The Japan-U.S. relationship is stronger than ever, and I think it's important that the American people recognize the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship, regardless of the outcome of the presidential election,” he said. .
Since taking office, Mr. Kishida has positioned Japan as a partner of the United States not only in Asia but also globally.
While defending the view that European and Indo-Pacific security are inextricably linked, he has emerged as a staunch supporter of Ukraine and is closely aligned with G7 countries on their stance on Russia.
Russian and Chinese militaries are conducting joint training exercises in the region, and North Korea is currently being accused by G7 countries of supplying Moscow with weapons for use in the Ukraine war, leading to global concerns over the new situation. These connections are becoming more familiar to Japan as concerns are growing. An axis between three countries that have tense relations with the United States.
Kishida also said the government would take a “high-level approach” to secure talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to resolve “unresolved issues” and promote stable relations between the two countries. He said he was doing so.
Japan, along with South Korea, is at the forefront of North Korea's aggressive weapons testing program, with test missiles regularly falling into nearby waters. The issue of Japanese people abducted by North Korea more than decades ago also remains a particularly emotive issue.
Prime Minister Kishida said his government was monitoring equipment exchanges between North Korea and Moscow, pointed to joint military exercises between China and Russia, and called such cooperation “concerning regarding international order and stability.” Stated.
“At the same time, it is important to send a firm message to North Korea and China that maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law is important for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the international community. said Mr. Kishida.
“We must also work with them to promote a strong international community rather than division and conflict,” he added. “To move the international community forward, we believe it is important to work with the United States and our allies to create an atmosphere of cooperation rather than division and conflict.”
