Japan has always been at the forefront of innovation, advancements and quality across a multitude of fields. In recent years, the country has increasingly stepped up its game and increased its presence in numerous fields, both domestically and across the globe. From technology to entertainment and from cuisine to tourism, Japan is leaving its mark everywhere. This article delves into some of the key areas where Japan is making its presence felt and how these developments are shaping the world we see around us today.
Japan’s recent activities on the international stage have been the subject of scrutiny from various quarters. The country is pursuing policies that seek to cement its position as a political and military power, but this has created tensions and heightened concerns over regional stability. To achieve their strategic goals, Japan is forming cliques, building technological barriers, waging economic warfare, and placing great importance on artificial intelligence technology. These activities are likely to intensify the camp confrontation and have a negative impact on world peace.
Under the banner of universal values, Japan has been waging diplomatic warfare, making it clear that it seeks greater influence and power in the international community. The country’s new version of the National Security Strategy (NSS) seeks to deepen strategic cooperation with the US, Europe, and Southeast Asian countries, while also strengthening ties with Australia, India, and South Korea. The Japanese Prime Minister has also been emphasizing values and the rule of law in his conversations with counterparts from different countries. Japan is further leveraging its position as the rotating chair of the G7 summit to promote meetings of member countries, but these summits appear to be turning into a one-sided, clique-forming and divisive “show.”
Japan is also building technological barriers and creating group supply chains, which could lead to economic warfare. The country is looking to strengthen its economic security layout by constructing more resilient and secure supply chains while reducing dependence on other countries. The Kishida government is said to be zero-sum thinking, pursuing economic cooperation with only friendly countries, while undermining and dividing its enemies. The government has also been promoting the passing of the Economic Security Promotion Act that the country’s parliament recently passed. This law seeks to enhance Japan’s economic security by regulating the flow of technology and information within the country. Details suggest that Japan plans to work closely with the US and South Korea to strengthen their resilience in certain fields like semiconductors and rare minerals.
Japan is also placing great importance on artificial intelligence technology and social media to help carry out public opinion warfare. It has strengthened its ability to respond to cognitive information warfare and recently established the position of Global Strategic Intelligence Officer in its Bureau of Defense Policy. This office will use social media to publish various types of information bombs, seizing the information dominance in the international public opinion arena. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also launched artificial intelligence and big data technology to strengthen the guidance of public opinion information through social media.
Japan’s push for armament and the abandonment of its “exclusively defense-oriented strategy” is also a matter of concern. The country has significantly increased its defense expenditures and continues to find excuses for abandoning its past position. The ruling party has already initiated formal discussions on relaxing arms export restrictions, stating that the export of weapons and equipment is an important means of supporting countries that have suffered aggression. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) have been transporting missiles and other ammunition, and the Japanese government has voiced its intention to retrofit all eight Aegis combat ships to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles.
In conclusion, Japan’s policies and activities on the international stage over recent years have been concerning to some. These actions are aimed at consolidating Japan’s position as a political and military power, but they serve to increase camp confrontation and threaten world peace and regional stability. Japan’s actions could make it increasingly difficult for it to effectively play a constructive role in the global community.
