Proposed security document revisions signal Japan's military ambitions

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) approved on Tuesday a draft proposal to revise the country's key security documents, a move that experts say signals the government's growing military ambitions.

Japan's three national security documents, now under revision, were adopted in 2022 and widely seen as a shift from the country's post-war exclusively defense-oriented policy toward a more offensive security posture.

While the latest draft does not specify a new defense spending target, it cites examples of countries whose military budgets exceed 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Japan's Defense Buildup Program, adopted in 2022, already called for a sharp increase in defense spending, with military expenditures set to reach 2% of GDP by fiscal 2027.

Building on its acquisition of "counterstrike capabilities," the Takaichi administration is also seeking to further strengthen offensive military assets.

The draft calls for the early deployment of interceptor drones and high-powered directed-energy weapons to bolster air defense systems, as well as accelerating the deployment of submarines equipped with long-range missiles and next-generation propulsion systems, aimed at enhancing Japan's ability to strike enemy bases.

The draft will be submitted to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi later this month ahead of a planned cabinet approval of revised security documents in December.

Lyu Yaodong, a researcher at the Institute of Japanese Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the Takaichi administration is seeking to further strengthen Japan's military capabilities.

The LDP has previously proposed raising defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, in line with NATO's benchmark, Lyu said, adding that the United States has also urged Japan to raise military spending to between 3 and 3.5% of GDP, a move that would further accelerate the country's military buildup.

"The expansion of collective self-defense has already gone beyond the limits envisioned by Japan's pacifist constitution," Lyu said, adding that the government's increasingly right-leaning policies could undermine peace and stability in East Asia and beyond.

Akiyoshi Takanashi, head of the Association of Citizens in Kanagawa to Think About the Education of History, warned that raising defense spending to 3.5% of GDP could come at the expense of social welfare and healthcare programs.

"If military spending continues to increase, budgets closely tied to people's livelihoods will inevitably be squeezed, making life more difficult for many citizens," he said.

On nuclear issues, the draft calls for further enhancement of the credibility of extended deterrence centered on the US nuclear umbrella.

Japan's Three Non-Nuclear Principles, introduced in 1967, commit the country to not possessing, producing or permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons into its territory.

Since taking office, the Takaichi administration has explored changes to the principle prohibiting the introduction of nuclear weapons. In November 2025, Takaichi avoided giving a clear answer in parliament on whether the principle should remain unchanged, saying the government would make decisions based on the regional security environment.

Such developments have raised concerns within Japan. A poll published by The Asahi Shimbun in April showed that 75% of respondents believe Japan should continue adhering to the Three Non-Nuclear Principles.

Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow at the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies of the China Institute of International Studies, warned that any move to abandon the principles could have far-reaching consequences.

"If Japan abandons the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, it could severely undermine the nuclear non-proliferation regime in East Asia, intensify regional arms races, increase the risk of nuclear conflict and even reverse global nuclear disarmament efforts," he said.