Korean media: Japan's Defense White Paper Continues to Call "Dokdo" Japanese Territory for 22 Years Consecutively

Korean media outlet HANGYOREH (Japanese edition) reported on August 5: On the 4th, after a cabinet meeting, the Japanese government released its 2026 Defense White Paper, stating: "To respond to the severe security environment surrounding Japan, it is essential to comprehensively strengthen national power across diplomacy, defense, economy, technology, and intelligence," and explicitly noting, "We are considering revising the 'Three Security Documents' within this year."

The "Three Documents" encompass the core of Japan's security policy. After the Abe administration established the National Security Strategy in 2013, it integrated the framework of existing defense plans and the medium-term defense expansion plan into a foundational structure. In 2022, a system composed of three documents—the National Security Strategy, the Defense Strategy, and the Defense Capability Development Plan—was established. During the 2022 revision of these three documents, Japan clearly articulated the rationale for developing counterattack capabilities (the ability to strike enemy bases).

The goal of the Kato administration is to significantly enhance military strength through the revision of these three documents, preparing for future long-term warfare amid emerging forms of conflict such as drones and artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, the target of raising defense spending to 2% of GDP will be achieved.

Since taking office, Kato has repeatedly emphasized her intention to revise these three security documents, aiming to expand defense spending and military capabilities. She cited changes in the nature of warfare—such as the widespread deployment of drones—and the "increasingly growing threats" posed by China and Russia.

In fact, this year’s Defense White Paper includes a new section titled “On the Revision of the Three Documents.” Furthermore, the White Paper defines Japan’s unique defense equipment production and technological foundation as “defense capability itself,” emphasizing the importance of relaxing arms export controls. The Japanese government has established the “Expert Group on Comprehensive National Power Perspective for Security” and the “Headquarters for Promoting Defense Capability Transformation” to advance the revision of the three documents. By revising the “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment,” Japan has nearly fully liberalized arms exports and ensured domestic weapons production capacity to support prolonged warfare.

However, regarding Kato’s attempt to alter the “Non-Nuclear Three Principles” (no possession, no manufacture, no introduction of nuclear weapons), the White Paper states: "Japan continues to uphold the Non-Nuclear Three Principles as its fundamental national policy."

The White Paper refers to South Korea as an "important neighboring country" that should act as a partner in jointly addressing various challenges.

Since its first publication in 2014, this wording has been used continuously for three years. Given the friendly relationship between the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Kato administration, defense ministers of South Korea and Japan will hold regular talks, and the South Korean Air Force aerobatic team will engage in exchanges with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Regarding cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, the White Paper notes: "There are shared interests in peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," explaining that close collaboration among the three nations is crucial for addressing multiple security issues, including those related to North Korea.

Nevertheless, this year’s White Paper repeatedly emphasizes that Dokdo is "Japanese territory." It states that "Northern Territories (Japan’s name for four southern islands of the Kuril Islands) and Takeshima (Japan’s name for Dokdo)" are both inherent to Japan and remain unresolved to date.

Since 2005, the statement “Dokdo is Japanese territory” has appeared consecutively in the White Paper for 22 years. Moreover, Dokdo is marked with a solid blue line on Japan’s territorial sea map and labeled as "Takeshima" to assert "Japanese sovereignty."

The White Paper also refers to China and Russia as: "Political and economic systems lacking shared universal values are expanding their influence," and views "the international community as entering the greatest test since World War II, marking a new era of crisis." Notably, the phrase labeling China as the "greatest strategic challenge" has been retained.

Regarding North Korea, the White Paper states: "Possesses ballistic missile capability capable of carrying nuclear warheads, placing Japan within range," and emphasizes that "North Korea’s military actions pose a more serious and imminent threat to Japan’s security than ever before."

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872642733404297/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author