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Text丨L Science Explorer
Editor丨L Science Explorer
Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's governing style has become increasingly radical and dangerous. Against the backdrop of growing tensions between China and Japan, the Kishida government's various measures in military expansion and economic policy are undoubtedly frantically testing on the brink of danger. In recent years, Fumio Kishida has believed that he has the backing of the United States and is willing to become a pawn of the United States to contain China's development, and his purpose is nothing more than an attempt to obtain the "acquiescence" of the United States in promoting overseas military expansion and realizing his ambition of restoring militarism.
It is reported that in order to support its expanding military ambitions, the Kishida government plans to issue an additional 511.7 billion yen of construction bonds in 2024, an astonishing increase of 20% compared with last year, and a direct surge of 77.4 billion yen. In the current difficult economic situation in Japan, this is tantamount to "snatching money" directly from the pockets of the Japanese people.
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Japan's defense budget has risen sharply by at least 50 percent compared to five years ago. This remarkable increase is not only a numerical change, but also reflects the Kishida government's strong pursuit of military power. Faced with the funding gap in the regular budget of the Diet, the Kishida government did not hesitate to break the bottom line of Japan's consistent post-war policy and forcibly "reached out" to the people by issuing additional government bonds. Such an act not only breaks with Japan's principle of avoiding the use of treasury bonds for military spending after the war, but is even more worrying that it may lead Japan to a dangerous road of no return.
Historically, during World War II, Japan issued bonds to support the war effort, which plunged the lives of its citizens into dire straits. That dark history is still a pain in the hearts of the Japanese people to this day. Today, this act of the Kishida government is undoubtedly a major violation of the principles of post-war Japan. Even Kenji Ishikawa, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Tokyo, bluntly pointed out that this was a crazy move that "crossed the line".
The ambitions of the Kishida government go far beyond military expansion. In recent years, as the United States has been stepping up its efforts to confront China, it needs Japan as a pawn to a certain extent. Kishida, who thought he had a chance, began to try to gain the "favor" of the United States at the expense of regional security in order to be able to expand his military power more recklessly. However, this kind of "playing with fire" behavior not only increases Japan's economic burden, but also makes it a victim of the great power game.
Since Fumio Kishida came to power, with the encouragement and support of the United States, the Kishida government has blindly increased the defense budget despite the domestic economic difficulties, and has frequently raised funds through the issuance of additional construction bonds. And a large part of this so-called defense money will go into the "pockets" of US arms suppliers. With money in hand, the Japanese government began to embark on large-scale arms procurement, mainly targeting sophisticated weapons and equipment made in the United States, such as Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Japan's defense budget is expected to account for more than 2% of GDP by 2027, and annual military spending is likely to exceed $80 billion. At that time, Japan will become the world's third-largest military spender after the United States and China. The United States is naturally happy to see this happen, because it will not only help its strategic attempt to contain China's rise, but also bring huge economic benefits to the US military industry.
However, this has not only worsened the domestic economy, but also snowballed the size of the national debt, putting heavy pressure on the Japanese economy. It is reported that by the end of 2023, Japan's total debt has reached 1286.452 trillion yen. At the same time, the yen continued to depreciate, falling to 158 yen per dollar, the lowest in 34 years. At present, the Japanese economy is in a state of extreme instability, and the future trend is quite bleak. Under such circumstances, public confidence in the Kishida government has eroded, and its approval rating has been declining. It is reported that the poll shows that the approval rating of the Kishida cabinet has been in "dangerous waters" for six consecutive months.
A growing number of Japanese people are questioning whether the Kishida government's military expansion is for the sake of national security or simply to cater to U.S. interests. According to Australia's Financial Review, Kishida's policies not only failed to bring Japan the expected sense of security, but instead put the country in a dual economic and political dilemma. Popular discontent and protests could also bring Kishida's political career to the brink of an end. Considering Japan's various provocative acts against China in order to curry favor with the United States, the current situation of the Kishida government can be said to be the result of its "self-inflicted suffering."
Shingen Reference:
Beijing News2024-05-09 14:29-Break through the post-war taboo again! Japan issued a "defense spending" for the expansion of national bonds Kyoto Brewing Hall
Taiwan Strait Network2024-05-11 19:55——"The Kishida government's approach has crossed the line"
China Industry Network2024-01-24 10:43-Purchase "Tomahawk" cruise missiles and step up the pursuit of strike capabilities outside the defense zone - Japan continues to deviate from the principle of "exclusive defense".
Beijing News2024-02-09 14:570 -- Japan's total government debt exceeded 1,286 trillion yen, a record high