The Japanese government, worried about Chinese military expansionism, plans to increase its defense spending by $ 6,8 billion. At the instigation of the new prime minister Smoke Kishida Japan wants to anticipate the purchase of enhanced American Patriot missiles to defend military bases in the southwestern islands from probable North Korean attacks. In addition, Tokyo plans to purchase three P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to track Chinese military movements in the waters around Japan, upgraded torpedoes and anti-submarine armament.
The Japanese government's decision came as a result of growing Chinese military operations in the Taiwan Strait and to demonstrate to Washington the new, virtuous line on defense spending.
The increase wanted by Kishida will bring total defense spending to 1,13 per cent of gross domestic product, surpassing the 1 per cent limit maintained since the 50s.
During the election campaign, the Liberal Democratic party that supported Kishida pledged to increase defense spending to 2% of GDP. It is no coincidence that it coincides with the percentage requested several times by the US Administration also from NATO countries.
In ItalyAccording to data from the Mil € x Observatory, military spending for 2021 stands at 24,97 billion euros out of a GDP of approximately 1800 billion euros. An "overall significant" increase of 8,1% compared to 2020 and 15,7% compared to 2019. The increase, in particular, was the acquisition of new weapon systems.
Returning to Japan, it appears unlikely that the increase in military spending will be achieved in the short term, due to the aging of the population and the very high public debt. IMF data from 2021 highlights that Covid has significantly increased public debt around the world, with three countries representing over 200% of their debt to GDP, where Japan (257%) stands out, ahead of Sudan (212%) or Greece (210%).
For 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has therefore asked for a 7% increase in spending over the initial budget for 2021, although this figure is likely to be reduced to reflect advance purchases in the supplementary budget.