Japan releases 2013 Defense White Paper

On July 9, Japan released its 2013 Defense White Paper after it was approved at a cabinet meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and ministers.

This is the first Defense White Paper issued under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which specifically emphasizes concerns about China's aggressive maritime actions and North Korea's controversial nuclear program.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (Source: AFP)

The 450-page 2013 Defense White Paper highlighted Tokyo’s concerns about China’s growing maritime activities, including its intrusions into Japanese territorial waters and airspace. It also criticized Beijing’s lack of cooperation and misrepresentation of the facts after a Chinese warship locked the radar of a Japanese Coast Guard destroyer in January, and urged Beijing to act in accordance with international law rather than use force.

The White Paper also expressed concern about North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, saying that Pyongyang's development of ballistic missiles that can reach the United States is evidence that the program has entered a new stage of development.

The White Paper also touches on the topic of cybersecurity, stating that Japan needs to strengthen its ability to respond to increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. In addition, the White Paper also said that Prime Minister Abe's government is planning to compile defense guidelines to provide long-term direction for defense policy by the end of this year, and is considering the possibility of allowing Japan to launch a preemptive strike in the event of a ballistic missile threat.

Regarding the security environment, the White Paper emphasized the essential role of the Japan-US security alliance and the deployment of the MV-22 Osprey aircraft in Okinawa will contribute to peace and stability in the region. The White Paper also defended Tokyo's decision last March to allow domestic companies to participate in the production of components for the US F-35 stealth fighter.

According to the White Paper, this participation will help protect, maintain and develop Japan's defense industry and benefit the Japan-US alliance./.

According to (TTXVN) - DT