Japan to Launch Panel on Security Documents in April

Tokyo, March 3 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government is considering establishing an expert panel in late April toward revising its three key national security-related documents by the end of this year, informed sources said Tuesday. The panel is expected to discuss new numerical targets for boosting defense spending and strengthening combat sustainability. Based on the discussions, the government plans to draft outlines as early as this summer for a bill to update the three documents, government and ruling party officials said. Experts on defense and security policies, cybersecurity and space will take part in the panel. They are likely to discuss responses to threats from China and ways to deal with new forms of warfare, such as the massive use of drones. The government will move forward with the revision of the three documents, including the National Security Strategy, after taking into account proposals to be compiled by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party around Japan’s Golden Week holiday period from late April to early May. The draft outlines are expected to be reflected in budget requests for fiscal 2027 that will be submitted by government ministries and agencies in late August. “A nation must defend itself with its own hands,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told a parliamentary committee meeting Tuesday. “No one will come to the aid of a country that lacks such resolve,” she added. “We must press ahead with a fundamental strengthening of our defense capabilities at a speed greater than ever before,” the prime minister said. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said, “It is also an urgent issue to strengthen a defense posture along the Pacific coast.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]