Photo/Illutration A Ground Self-Defense Force’s surface-to-ship guided missile system (Captured from GSDF website)

NATO has set a new goal for member nations regarding defense spending, including related expenses, by raising the objective from the former 2 percent of gross domestic product to 5 percent.

The move is in response to arguments made by the Trump administration, which has also indicated the need for a similar increase on the part of Asian allies of the United States, including Japan.

In the postwar era, Japan’s defense spending had been kept at about 1 percent of GDP, but in late 2022 then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced a comprehensive strengthening of defense capabilities.

The Kishida Cabinet decided to increase defense spending, including related expenses, over a five-year period to eventually reach 2 percent of GDP.

In the current fiscal year budget, defense spending totaled 9.9 trillion yen ($68.6 billion), which translates to 1.8 percent of GDP.

But the government has still not decided when to increase income taxes to partially pay for the added expenditures.

There are reports that Washington has informally asked the government to set a specific numerical goal of 3.5 percent of GDP for defense spending, excluding related expenses.

That can only be described as an outrageous request.

Japan must play the leading role in determining the scale of its defense capabilities.

The current goal of 2 percent was decided on because it coincided with the then NATO standard despite the differences in the national security environment and historical developments with Japan.

The pledge made by Kishida in 2022 to decide on the contents, budget and revenues for Japan’s defense buildup as a single set has not been fulfilled.

As a result, there is the possibility that equipment with a dubious cost-effectiveness might be included.

The administration demonstrated irresponsibility through insufficient Diet deliberations and by putting off how to secure stable revenue sources even while it faced very serious fiscal circumstances.

At a recent news conference, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said while there was a need for greater communication with the United States, he added that Japan would decide for itself what it required without being held to a monetary amount beforehand.

It remains to be seen if he can maintain that stance.

While NATO responded to the demands made by U.S. President Donald Trump, only about 20 of the 32 member nations have attained the 2-percent goal.

It is clear that member nations hold different positions based on their recognition of the threat posed by Russia as well as their fiscal circumstances.

Despite the new goal, it is uncertain if member nations can achieve it.

There is obviously a need for a defense buildup by Japan considering the situation in East Asia where China is making maritime advances and building up its defense arsenal while North Korea is developing nuclear weapons and missiles.

Allies and friendly nations will also be called on to augment the relative decline in the national strength of the United States.

But expanding defense spending beyond what is possible will not be sustainable and raise concerns about greater instability in the daily lives of the people.

There is also the danger that it could lead to an endless arms race with neighboring nations and damage regional stability.

Attention must be focused on constructing a comprehensive strategy that balances diplomatic efforts with the strengthening of deterrence.

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 30

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