Categories: Analysis

Japanese white paper points to China’s rise in technology and military as a threat to regional peace

<p>
Japan has released its annual white paper on defence. For the first time it highlights the tensions that China's threats to Taiwan pose for stability in the entire East Asian region. It also notes that increasing <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/tech-news/chinese-company-loses-undersea-cable-project-amid-beijing-washington-row-100180.html">rivalry between China and the US in technology</a> and trade will further aggravate tensions.<br />
<br />
The 469-page white paper was approved by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government and reflects Tokyo's increasing concerns about the fast-deteriorating situation in the region.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14374020">Japanese newspaper <em>Asahi Shimbun</em></a> quotes the white paper as saying: "Stabilizing the Taiwan situation is important for Japan’s national security and stabilization of the international community”. The newspaper notes that China has intensified its military activity around Taiwan, and this could pose threats to Japan also.<br />
<br />
In the past few days, Japanese ministers have repeatedly voiced that if China attempts to seize Taiwan by force, <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/japanese-leadership-says-japan-and-us-must-jointly-defend-taiwan-against-china-100893.html">Japan and the US may be forced</a> to intervene militarily. Since last year, Japan also has been repeatedly inviting European countries to participate in military exchanges with Japan in the East China Sea and the South China Sea with a view to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.<br />
<br />
The white paper says that <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/china-magazine-publishes-article-detailing-three-stage-attack-on-taiwan-99801.html">China's military operations in the region</a> are a reason for concern for the entire world. It mentions that China's increasing defence expenditure remains opaque but has lent might to its nuclear missile programme along with strengthening its navy and air force.<br />
<br />
Besides mentioning the China threat to Taiwan for the first time, Japan has also brought out deteriorating climate conditions as a security issue. The paper says that climate change will increase competition for land while the melting waters in the Arctice Sea will lead to militarisation of that region. </p>

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar writes on international issues and is a keen watcher of South Asia, environment, urban development and NGOs.

Share
Published by
Rahul Kumar

Recent Posts

MEA condemns Canada’s “baseless references” against Home Minister Amit Shah

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday strongly protested against recent allegations made by…

3 hours ago

“Verification patrolling has commenced… in Demchok and Depsang”: MEA on disengagement between India and China

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that verification patrolling has commenced in Demchok…

5 hours ago

“Sanctioned companies not in violation of Indian law,” says MEA after US sanctions 19 Indian companies

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday reacted to the recent U.S. sanctions imposed on…

5 hours ago

Two terrorists killed in encounter with security forces in J-K’s Anantnag

Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag…

7 hours ago

“Not an issue of security lapses, security forces giving befitting reply”: Rajnath Singh on J-K terror attacks

Terming the recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir as "unfortunate", Union Defence Minister Rajnath…

9 hours ago

Nasirabad: BYC holds demonstrations against enforced disappearances by Pakistan’s forces

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) held demonstrations against the ongoing enforced disappearances by the Pakistan…

11 hours ago