Japan's new security strategy will make China more mistrustful

Tokyo needs to realize its interests do not always align with those of the U.S.

Huang Jing

January 17, 2023 05:00 JST

20210116 type 12 surface-to-ship missile.jpg

A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force vehicle launches a type 12 surface-to-ship missile during an exercise: The ultimate issue is to what extent Japan is willing to be a tail that is wagged. (Handout photo from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force)

Huang Jing is University Professor and director of the Institute of U.S. and Pacific studies at Shanghai International Studies University.

Japan's new National Security Strategy marks a paradigm shift which will see defense spending rise to 2% of the country's gross domestic product and the establishment of a counterstrike capability.