Why Japan should have the capability to counterattack enemies

August 7, 2020

Nikkei Asian Review

While the debate on how to protect Japan from missile attacks gathers steam, the governing Liberal Democratic Party has come up with an idea to make the Self-Defense Forces capable of counterattacking enemy missile bases and other facilities.

The LDP presented a set of proposals including that idea to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday. The government will start a detailed study of the plans.

The concept has emerged due to the government’s abrupt suspension of the deployment of the Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense system.

Under its security alliance with the U.S., Japan has maintained a “shield and spear” strategy in which it plays the defensive role of a “shield” while relying on the U.S. “spear” for offensive operations when necessary. Japan deciding to establish a counterattack capability — such as medium-range missiles — would mean a change to this longstanding arrangement.

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