Japan adopts first ever National Security Strategy

JAPAN yesterday adopted its first ever National Security Strategy which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government said will make a "proactive contribution to peace" and stability in Asia in the face of what it said is an attempt by China to "change the status quo by force in the skies and seas of the East China Sea and South China Sea".

Under the new strategy, Japan will boost its military spending over the next five years in buying items such as early-warning aircraft, troop-carrying planes and beach assault vehicles, while at the same time reviewing the country's ban on weapons exports.

Japan will also set up a special marine unit to defend islands to which it lays claim in the East China Sea and elsewhere, purchasing unarmed surveillance drones and other aircraft for the purpose. It will base early-warning aircraft in Okinawa, where fighter jet squadrons will also be stepped up.