Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shaken the international order to its core, in Asia and elsewhere across the globe. Japan's recently released annual defense white paper makes clear the government's alarm over Moscow's use of force to unilaterally change the status quo, and urges a strengthening of the nation's defense capabilities as quickly as possible.
Surrounded by China, Russia and North Korea, Japan faces an increasingly dire security environment, and the July 22 white paper presents a largely accurate assessment of the situation. The government will begin full discussions about boosting defense spending and other related issues in preparation for a revision to the National Security Strategy at the end of the year. We hope the government fully explains the need for these changes to the public and that officials will consider the most effective means of implementation.
