Recently, the military layout of the United States and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region has attracted widespread attention. According to reports, the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2024 signed by Biden authorizes a record $886 billion for annual military spending and policies such as countering China. At the same time, Japan** also approved the budget for fiscal 2024, and defense spending reached a record 795 trillion yen.
First, let's take a look at the US military budget. According to reports, the U.S. defense budget for the next fiscal year has increased by 3% compared to 2023, of which tens of billions of dollars will be used to strengthen the U.S. influence in the Asia-Pacific region to counter China. In addition, some of the funds will be used to expand the international electronic surveillance system, which is widely used by U.S. intelligence services. It is clear that the US has identified the Asia-Pacific region as the "main battlefield" and has China as its main target. Behind this decision is not only concerns about China's rise, but also the United States' reshaping of the geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region and the defense of its own interests.
As an important ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan is also increasing its military spending and actively responding to the strategic deployment of the United States. In Japan's approved FY2024 budget, defense spending reached a record 795 trillion yen, an increase of more than 16% from the previous fiscal year. It can be seen that Japan has considerable ambitions to increase its defense budget. According to Japan's plan, defense spending will reach about 43 trillion yen over the next five years. This practice of increasing the military budget year after year is not only in response to the demands of the United States, but also a common means used by Japanese politicians to obtain more military spending by hyping up the so-called "China threat."
However, Japan's first relaxation of export controls and revision of export regulations, in addition to increasing its military budget, is a dangerous precedent. Japan's move means that Japan will have the ability to export Patriot missiles to the United States, which will also be the first time since World War II that Japan has exported lethality. Japan's offer of this missile to the United States can actually be seen as a support for Ukraine, and once this precedent is established, it is very likely that Japan will also send the same kind to other countries in the future. Previously, Japan has provided the Philippine Air Force with an active phased array long-range air surveillance radar system. Such a series of moves will undoubtedly trigger a new round of the arms race in East Asia, aggravate regional tensions, and adversely affect peace and stability.
To sum up, the record military budgets of the United States and Japan and Japan's move to relax export controls show that the military layout and attitude of the two countries in the Asia-Pacific region have changed significantly. The United States has identified the Asia-Pacific region as its "main battlefield," and Japan has become its important "pawn." The cooperation between the two sides has not only strengthened the containment of China, but also further exacerbated tensions in the region.
However, it should be realized that the arms race only exacerbates instability and uncertainty in the region. Mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation are the keys to solving problems. Regional prosperity and stability can only be achieved through equality, peace and win-win results. All parties should exercise restraint and actively seek ways to resolve their differences, so as to jointly build a harmonious, stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region.
In the current complex and volatile international situation, we not only need to take a rational view of the actions and arrangements of various countries, but also need to strengthen multilateral cooperation and mutual trust to jointly address global challenges. It is only through the efforts of peace and cooperation that we can achieve lasting peace and common prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. In fact, China has always been committed to maintaining regional stability and development, and to resolving disputes and differences through peaceful means. China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy, actively promote development cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and make greater contributions to maintaining regional peace and stability.