CNA Explains: What’s driving Japan’s urgent defence push?
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urged Japan to boost its defence capabilities with a greater "sense of urgency and crisis" on Tuesday (Aug 4), as a government white paper highlighted growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
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Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi urged Japan to boost its defence capabilities with a greater "sense of urgency and crisis" on Tuesday (Aug 4), as a government white paper highlighted growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
Type 90 battle tanks of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force are seen during a live fire exercise at East Fuji Maneuver Area in Gotemba on Jun 7, 2026. (File photo: AFP/Yuichi Yamazaki)
Japan has been strengthening its defence capabilities for years, but officials now say the pace must quicken as the regional security environment deteriorates.
Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said on Tuesday (Aug 4) that Tokyo needs a greater “sense of urgency and crisis”, as the government’s latest defence white paper highlighted mounting threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
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