Japan just spent more than $50 billion on its military, a 27% increase that makes it the world’s third-largest military spender. Why? Because the threat from China and Russia is looming. Elon Musk has been vocal in warning about this threat, and Japan’s moves reflect a major shift in its defense policy.
Japan has been known as a pacifist nation since World War II, with its constitution banning war (Article 9). However, in the face of growing threats from neighboring countries like China and Russia, Japan has decided to rapidly and dramatically strengthen its military. This move is not just an investment in the military, but also a change in defense strategy: for the first time in decades, Japan is developing the ability to attack enemy military bases, something it has never done before.
Japan has plans to build new military bases and purchase 500 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the United States, with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers. These plans reflect Japan’s careful preparation to deal with China and Russia. China, with its strong military actions in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and Russia, with its re-emergence in disputed areas such as the Kuril Islands, have pushed Japan to change its defense policy.
China’s actions, such as its violation of Japanese airspace in August 2024, have prompted a strong response from Japan. More than 70% of Japan’s interventions have involved Chinese aircraft, demonstrating Beijing’s strategy of testing Japan’s power.
Russia is also increasing its military presence in northern Japan, especially in the Kuril Islands. Russia’s construction of a base and deployment of advanced missile systems here puts Japan at risk of a dual threat from China and Russia.
In addition, North Korea’s repeated missile tests have also contributed to regional instability. Each of North Korea’s missile tests has increased tensions, forcing Japan to reconsider its defense strategy, as it is dealing not only with China and Russia but also with a nuclear-armed state like North Korea.
Elon Musk warned that China and Russia’s moves not only directly increase tensions but also create opportunities for countries like North Korea to act more recklessly, increasing the risk of a full-blown conflict in the East Asian region.
The passage describes the major changes in the East Asian region through the military alliance between the United States and Japan, and its influence on countries such as China and Russia, as well as the impact of technology on modern warfare.
1. **US-Japan Alliance**: This alliance is not only about military exercises but also about the strong US military presence in Japan, especially in Okinawa, which gives the US a strategic base in the Pacific. Japan acts as a “giant aircraft carrier” right next to the coasts of China and Russia, and this alliance creates a strong counterweight to the influence of these countries in the region.
2. **Militarization of Japan**: The United States plays an important role in helping Japan modernize its military, including increasing defense spending and developing the ability to coordinate between the two countries’ military forces. This alliance is not only to protect Japan but also to create a deterrent against other countries, especially China and Russia.
3. **Technology and modern warfare**: Elon Musk and companies like SpaceX and Starlink are playing a major role in changing the way war is fought. Satellite technology like Starlink provides internet connectivity to the Japanese military, helping them maintain communications even in remote areas, which could change the course of war when information is of the essence.
4. **China-Japan economic relations**: The economic relationship between Japan and China also plays a major role. Japan depends on imports from China, while China is a large market for Japanese products. Despite military tensions, the two countries still have an economic interdependence, which could help prevent major conflicts because each side has too much to lose.
5. **Future and Potential Scenarios**: Japan’s vision is to be able to handle invasions on its own by 2027, but this could also spark an arms race in the region. A conflict would not only affect Japan and China, but could also disrupt the global economy.
6. **Technology changing the face of war**: Technologies such as AI, robotics, and satellite defense systems are revolutionizing warfare. Japan is investing heavily in these technologies, which could change future combat capabilities and help Japan compete with military powers such as China and Russia.
7. **Economic and political factors**: In addition to military, economic factors such as trade, energy dependence, and important sea lanes are also creating regional balance. A conflict could have a major impact on the global economy, and countries like the US, Japan, and China must carefully consider their military and political decisions.
Overall, the US-Japan military alliance, technological advancements, and international economic relations are reshaping the future of the East Asian region, and have the potential to change the global political and military landscape.
