Amid the Japanese government's attempt to revise the three security documents, including the National Security Strategy, within this year, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been pushing forward with persistent moves. According to reports, the LDP's Research Commission on Security held an executive meeting on May 18 to discuss the draft proposal for revising these documents. The draft remains vague regarding defense funding. What are the considerations behind this?

Meng Mingming, an assistant research fellow at the Institute of Japanese Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that Japan's vagueness regarding defense funding mainly stems from the following considerations:

First, to avoid public backlash. Since taking office, Sanae Takaichi has stepped up efforts to promote Japan's remilitarization. Japan's defense budget for fiscal year 2026 has already reached a record high of 9 trillion yen. Any further increase will inevitably involve tax hikes or cuts to social welfare. Against the backdrop of high debt, inflationary pressure, and an aging society, this is highly likely to trigger a backlash from the Japanese public and criticism from opposition parties. Therefore, the Takaichi administration has been forced to handle the draft with ambiguity.

Second, the Japanese government aims to maintain fiscal initiative regarding increased defense spending. Formulating a clear budget for defense expenses based on the current draft might restrict the Takaichi administration's freedom to strengthen its military in the future. Maintaining this ambiguity not only mitigates the short-term fiscal shock but also allows the government to raise targets at any time according to its needs in the long run, without being constrained by the document.

Third, it is a risk-mitigation posture adopted by the Japanese government under external pressure. Takaichi's push for increased military investment has sparked intense criticism and resistance both at home and abroad. China and other neighboring countries are increasingly vigilant and have expressed clear opposition to Japan's promotion of neo-militarism and attempts to alter the post-WWII international order. An increasing number of Japanese citizens have also joined peace activities opposing the Takaichi administration's militarization drive. Under current complex circumstances, to avoid excessive external pressure, the Takaichi administration has no choice but to adopt this self-deceptive, vague stance to muddle through.

Editor's note: Originally published on news.cnr.cn, this article is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military Online. The information and opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn.