Pacifist Japan has slowly transformed from exclusively self-defense to a military buildup
Yahoo••world
Key Points:
- Japan is rapidly expanding its military capabilities, aiming to double its annual defense budget to over $58 billion, in response to perceived threats from China and under pressure from its ally, the United States.
- The country has gradually reinterpreted its pacifist constitution, particularly Article 9, to allow for a more proactive military stance, including collective defense and strike-back capabilities, marking a significant shift from its post-WWII self-defense-only policy.
- Tensions with China have escalated due to increased Chinese military activities near Japanese territory and Japan's more assertive defense posture, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on potential military responses to Chinese actions against Taiwan.
- Japan is moving towards a more offensive military role, developing long
