December 2022 - Japan Special Weapons News

HKSAR to keep requesting Japan to drop flight restrictions Global Times 29 Dec 2022 -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday said it will continue to request the Japanese authorities to rescind all discriminatory restrictions on passenger flights departing from Hong Kong, after Japan required passenger flights from the city to land at only four designated Japanese airports starting on Friday.
Japan logs record 415 daily COVID-19 deaths People's Daily 29 Dec 2022 -- Japan on Wednesday posted a record 415 COVID-19-related deaths as the country faced the eighth wave of infections during the holiday season.
Joint Statement from Foreign Ministers on the Taliban's Ban on Afghan Women Working for National and International NGOs US Dept. of State 28 Dec 2022 -- The following is a statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malta, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union.
China Protests Official Japanese Visit to Taiwan Sputnik 28 Dec 2022 -- China expressed dissatisfaction on Wednesday with the ongoing visit of Japanese lawmakers to Taiwan, an island it claims as its territory, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.
Under New Defense Plan, Japan May Become 'Normal' World Power VOA 28 Dec 2022 -- Japan this month took a major step toward loosening its postwar military restraints, unveiling new policies that will allow the Asian giant to play a much bigger role in regional and global security affairs.
Japan to deploy missile defense unit near Taiwan island, 'removing pacifist mask' as it ramps up military presence Global Times 28 Dec 2022 -- Japan is removing its pacifist mask as it continues attempts to strengthen its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, Chinese experts said on Wednesday, following reports that Tokyo is likely to deploy a surface-to-air missile defense unit at Japan's closest self-defense force base to China's Taiwan region.
China slams hike in Japan's defense spending Radio Free Asia 28 Dec 2022 -- China has expressed concerns over the significant hike in Japan's defense spending in 2023, calling it "a very dangerous development."
Beijing Concerned Over Japan's Increase in Defense Spending: Chinese Foreign Ministry Sputnik 27 Dec 2022 -- Beijing has expressed concerns over Japan's decision to increase defense expenditure for the next fiscal year, saying that Tokyo "is overestimating" regional tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Monday.
US, Japan hiking defense budgets to target China is dangerous: experts Global Times 25 Dec 2022 -- The US and Japan both announced on Friday increases in their defense budgets for next year, naming Taiwan question among reasons for the spending hikes. This reflects that the two countries are preparing to interfere in the Taiwan question militarily, and it requires China to enhance combat readiness and be ready to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, experts said on Sunday.
Japan's Defense Budget Hits Record 6.8 Tril. Yen in Policy Shift SPA 24 Dec 2022 -- Japan approved Friday a record-high 6.8 trillion-yen ($51 billion) draft defense budget for fiscal 2023 after pledging to acquire capabilities in a major policy shift under the country's war-renouncing Constitution, Kyodo reported.
Japan logs record 371 daily COVID-19 deaths amid 8th wave People's Daily 24 Dec 2022 -- Japan posted a record 371 coronavirus-related deaths on Friday as the country faced an eighth wave of infections ahead of the holiday season.
Japan's new security strategy eclipses pacifism, raises concern People's Daily 24 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government has approved three updated documents on its security and defense policies, vowing to acquire the military power to actively attack its enemy and largely increase its military expenditure for the next five years.
Japan OKs budget for FY 2023 with record high defense spending People's Daily 24 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government adopted a record draft budget of 114.38 trillion yen (865 billion U.S. dollars) for fiscal year 2023 (April 2023-March 2024) on Friday, with defense spending hitting a record high and social security costs on a rise.
China steps up Coast Guard patrols near Japanese islands Radio Free Asia 23 Dec 2022 -- Chinese vessels have intensified activities around Japan this week, sending a clear message of deterrence after Tokyo designated Beijing an unprecedented "strategic challenge" in its latest National Security Strategy.
Japan's record annual military budget amid soaring inflation sparks criticism Press TV 23 Dec 2022 -- Japan has announced a plan to increase its military spending by more than a quarter in 2023, including $1.6 billion to buy US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles in what will be the country's record military build-up even as inflation hits a 40-year high.
Japan Cabinet Approves 2023 Draft Budget at $862Bln With Record Defense Part, Reports Say Sputnik 23 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government approved a draft budget for the next fiscal year for a record 114,38 trillion yen ($862 billion) with a record-high defense budget in the amount of 6.8 trillion yen, Japanese media reported on Friday.
Japan's Leader Urges Cabinet to Prepare for Possible Missile Launches by North Korea, Reports Say Sputnik 23 Dec 2022 -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed responsible ministries to make all necessary preparations in case of possible future North Korean missile launches, national TV reported on Friday.
Comment by Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Japan's newly revised security and defence doctrines Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Dec 2022
Joint Statement from Foreign Ministers on Taliban Decision to Ban Women from Universities US Dept. of State 21 Dec 2022 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, the Governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union on the occasion of the Taliban's decision to ban women from universities.
Japan reports 206,943 new COVID-19 cases amid 8th wave of infections People's Daily 22 Dec 2022 -- Japan's health ministry and local governments said that 206,943 people had been newly infected with the COVID-19 virus nationwide, according to the latest figures released Wednesday, as the country grapples with an eighth wave of infections.
Japan, Sweden Sign Agreement on Transfer of Defense Equipment, Technology: Tokyo Sputnik 21 Dec 2022 -- Tokyo and Stockholm have signed an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Press Statement of Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry KCNA 20 Dec 2022 -- A spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following press statement on Dec. 20:
N. Korea blasts Japan's $320bn 'security strategy', calls it 'new aggression policy' Press TV 20 Dec 2022 -- North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy, describing it as a "serious" threat against international peace and vowing to show "actual action" in response to Tokyo's "wrong" choice.
North Korea says sanctions not able to stop its missile development program, slams Japan's security strategy Press TV 20 Dec 2022 -- North Korea has strongly criticized both the South and Japan for respectively trying to impose fresh sanctions on Pyongyang to stop its weapons development program and adopting a threatening military strategy.
Chinese vessel sails through territorial strait for international navigation rather than entering Japan's territorial waters: expert Global Times 19 Dec 2022 -- A Chinese Navy survey ship sailed through the Tokara Strait, a strait for free international navigation, rather than Japan's territorial waters, the Global Times learned on Monday after Japan had accused the Chinese vessel of entering its territorial waters.
Japan on high alert as PLA Navy vessel enters its territorial waters Radio Free Asia 19 Dec 2022 -- Japanese forces have been put on high alert after a large number of Chinese warships including an aircraft carrier were spotted in the West Pacific.
Japan's new revised security strategy underlines Taiwan Strait peace CNA 16 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government listed China as "the greatest strategic challenge" ever to securing the peace and stability of Japan and stressed the importance of the Taiwan Strait for international safety and prosperity in its new revised National Security Strategy approved Friday.
Secretary of Defense Austin Statement on Japan's Release of its New Strategy Documents (National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program) DoD 16 Dec 2022 -- "We welcome the release of Japan's updated strategy documents - the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program - which reflect Japan's staunch commitment to upholding the international rules-based order and a free and open Indo-Pacific."
Welcoming Japan's New National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program US Dept. of State 16 Dec 2022 -- "The United States of America and U.S. Department of State welcome Japan's new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program, which were announced on December 16."
Statement by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on Japan's Historic National Security Strategy The White House 16 Dec 2022
Japan's passage of defense documents brings country away from track of post-war peaceful development: Chinese embassy Global Times 16 Dec 2022 -- Japan's drastic adjustment of its defense policy raises the suspicion that the country is deviating from the track of post-war peaceful development, the Chinese Embassy in Japan said on Friday, after Japan passed three key defense policy documents.
Japan raises defense spending to deal with China challenge Radio Free Asia 16 Dec 2022 -- Japan has designated China an unprecedented "strategic challenge" and is boosting defense spending to cope with new challenges in a National Security Strategy launched Friday.
Japan Announces Major Defense Overhaul VOA 16 Dec 2022 -- Citing regional threats from China and North Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday unveiled a major overhaul of the country's defense strategy, including a significant increase in spending and the acquisition of long-range preemptive strike weapons.
Japan unveils record $320bn military build-up with eye on China Press TV 16 Dec 2022 -- Japan has unveiled its biggest military build-up since World War II with a $320 billion plan to buy missiles capable of striking China, thereby flexing its muscles under the US plan to mobilize against their common foe.
Japan's Prime Minister Earmarks $65Bln Defense Budget for Fiscal 2027, Reports Say Sputnik 16 Dec 2022 -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has told the ruling Liberal Democratic Party that defense spending would be 8.9 trillion yen ($65) in 2027 fiscal year, in line with the country's plan to boost military expenditures to 2% of GDP over the next five years, Japanese media reported on Friday.
U.S. Naval Forces and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Conduct Joint Mine Warfare Exercise US Navy 14 Dec 2022 -- The U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), conducted Mine Warfare Exercise (MIWEX) 3JA 2022 off the coast of southeastern Japan, Nov. 10-20, 2022.
U.S. 7th Fleet Hosts III MEF and JSDF for Naval Integration Staff Talks US Navy 13 Dec 2022 -- U.S. 7th Fleet hosted leadership and staff from III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for naval integration staff talks, Dec. 6-9.
Japanese lawmaker reiterates support for Taiwan's CPTPP bid CNA 13 Dec 2022 -- The chair of a Japanese parliamentary group promoting Taiwan-Japan ties reiterated his support for Taipei's bid to join a Tokyo-led trade bloc during a meeting with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai (陳其邁) in Tokyo on Monday night, while calling for closer Taiwan-Japan exchanges on all fronts.
All options on table against North Korea: US, allies Press TV 13 Dec 2022 -- The United States, South Korea, and Japan have promised to consider all available options to counter what they deem as a threat by North Korea.
US, South Korea, Japan consolidate efforts against DPRK nuclear tests Radio Free Asia 13 Dec 2022 -- Envoys of the United States, South Korea and Japan agreed Tuesday to consolidate efforts to ensure that North Korea does not dodge U.N. and other international sanctions as it pursues a nuclear and missile program, the officials said.
U.S. Special Representative for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim's Meeting with Republic of Korea Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim and Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs Funakoshi US Dept. of State 13 Dec 2022
China denounces senior Japanese official's Taiwan visit; 'irrational move to undermine stability in Straits' Global Times 12 Dec 2022 -- China on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the visit of a senior official of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to Taiwan island and his irresponsible remarks on China during the visit, which came amid Japan's recent actions to expand its military, citing the so-called China threat as an excuse.
Tokyo Wants to Get Tomahawk Cruise Missiles in First Offensive Weapons Buy Since WWII Sputnik 12 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese government is pushing ahead with a reported plan to buy hundreds of BGM-109 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (T-LAM), a long-range strike weapon that constitutionally-neutral Tokyo has eschewed since the end of the Second World War.
Japan Mulling Introduction of 'Active Cyber Defense' Measures, Reports Say Sputnik 11 Dec 2022 -- The government of Japan and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) will begin discussions in 2023 on amendments to the country's legislation that will allow local experts to carry out "active cyber defense," Japanese newspaper reports citing sources.
Japan May Create Hypersonic Weapons Control Unit by 2026, Reports Suggest Sputnik 10 Dec 2022 -- The Japanese Defense Ministry plans to create two units within the ground self-defense force to control ballistic missiles with a hypersonic glide vehicle, Japanese press reported on Saturday, citing sources.
PM announces new international coalition to develop the next generation of combat aircraft UK MOD 09 Dec 2022 -- The UK, Italy and Japan will join forces to develop the fighter jets of the future.
Policy paper - Joint Statement from Prime Ministers of UK, Italy and Japan: 9 December 2022 UK MOD 09 Dec 2022 -- As leaders of Italy, Japan and the UK, we are committed to upholding the rules-based, free and open international order, which is more important than ever at a time when these principles are contested, and threats and aggression are increasing.
UK, Japan and Italy Launch Project to Develop 6th Generation Fighter Sputnik 09 Dec 2022 -- The United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy have agreed to launch the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to jointly develop a new generation fighter by 2035, the UK Prime Minister's Office said on Friday.
Tenth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations Australia MFA 09 Dec 2022 -- H.E. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Mr. HAMADA Yasukazu, Minister of Defence of Japan, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, and Senator the Hon. Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, held the Tenth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations on 9 December 2022 in Tokyo.
U.S. Department of Defense and Japan Ministry of Defense Joint Statement on Cooperation for Japan's Next Fighter Aircraft DoD 08 Dec 2022 -- The United States supports Japan's security and defense cooperation with likeminded allies and partners, including with the United Kingdom and Italy - two close partners of both of our countries - on the development of its next fighter aircraft.
Beijing Urges Tokyo to Reject 'Zero-Sum Game Trap', Avoid Joining Confrontational Blocs Sputnik 07 Dec 2022 -- Speaking at an event commemorating half a century of diplomatic relations, Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi urged Tokyo to maintain their peaceful relationship and not join anti-China political blocs like those being organized by the United States.
Australia, US to Reinforce Defense Ties With Japan VOA 07 Dec 2022 -- Australia and the United States have agreed to enhance military cooperation with Japan to try to counter China's influence in the Pacific.
U.S. Marines, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force exercise defensive capabilities across multiple islands during Keen Sword 23 USMC News 06 Dec 2022 -- The exercise kicked off with the establishment of three Bilateral Ground Tactical Coordination Centers (BGTCCs) at three different locations in the Nansei Islands where Marines from the 3d Marine Division, 12th Marine Regiment, and 3d Battalion, 12th Marines worked with their JGSDF counterparts to plan and coordinate operations together.
Japan's ballooning defense budget is dangerous and is leading to serious concerns among neighbors, says Chinese FM spokesperson Global Times 06 Dec 2022 -- Japan's ballooning defense budget is a very dangerous development and has led to serious concerns among Japan's neighbors and the international community, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during Tuesday's routine news conference, warning that the country should seriously reflect on its history of aggression, respect the security concerns of its Asian neighbors.
Australia, United States to invite Japan into three-way military exercises Radio Free Asia 06 Dec 2022 -- The United States and Australia said they will invite Japan to participate in joint military exercises in Australia that are part of broader U.S. efforts to curb China's influence in the region.
Japan Excludes Sakhalin-2 Project From Russian Oil Price Cap List: Foreign Ministry Sputnik 05 Dec 2022 -- Japan has implemented a price cap on Russian crude oil at all fields, but has decided to exclude the Sakhalin-2 oil project from the list provided the energy resource's place of origin is confirmed, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
Japan, US Mull Hypersonic Missile Defense Research Amid Chinese, North Korean Advances Sputnik 04 Dec 2022 -- China became the second country in the world to field a hypersonic weapons system with its DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle, introduced in 2019. In 2021 and early 2022, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea showed off its own prowess in this area.
Japan eyes $318 billion for military spending as pacifist charter fades Press TV 03 Dec 2022 -- Japan is set to allocate 40 trillion to 43 trillion yen ($295 billion to $318 billion) for military spending over five years from the next fiscal year that begins in April, reports say.
Russian oil: EU agrees on level of price cap EC/CEU 03 Dec 2022 -- The Council decided today to set an oil price cap for crude oil and petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (CN code 2709 00) which originate in or are exported from Russia, at USD 60 per barrel.
G7 agrees oil price cap: reducing Russia's revenues, while keeping global energy markets stable European Commission 03 Dec 2022 -- The international Price Cap Coalition has finalised its work on implementing an oil price cap on Russian seaborne crude oil. EU Member States in the Council have also just approved in parallel its implementation within the EU.
Questions and Answers: G7 agrees oil price cap to reduce Russia's revenues, while keeping global energy markets stable European Commission 03 Dec 2022
Price Cap On Russian Oil Should Be Lowered To $30 Per Barrel, Ukraine Says RFE/RL 03 Dec 2022 -- Ukraine has welcomed a $60 price cap on Russian oil agreed by the European Union, the Group of Seven (G7) group of advanced economies, and Australia, but said it should be lowered to $30 per barrel to hit Russia's economy harder.
Japan-China defense hotline aims to cut risk of clashes Radio Free Asia 02 Dec 2022 -- Japan and China are to start a defense hotline in the spring to minimize risks of incidents as the Chinese military is accused of advancing "gray zone" operations in contested waters between the two countries.
Tokyo urged to heed rational voices on China after it hypes regular China-Russia air patrols Global Times 02 Dec 2022 -- Japan on Thursday expressed "severe concerns" over China-Russia aerial strategic patrol in the Asia-Pacific region, and reportedly said it plans to designate China as its top regional challenge in its National Security Strategy by the end of 2022. Chinese experts said it reflects Tokyo's political opportunism amid recent positive signals in China-Japan relations. They urged Japan to listen to domestic rational voices on China rather than follow the US in containing China and ending up in a worse situation.
Japan, South Korea join US-led sanctions against North Korea Press TV 02 Dec 2022 -- Japan and South Korea have imposed new sanctions on North Korean individuals and entities in response to Pyongyang's recent missile tests, a day after the US targeted North Korea with sanctions.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson on U.S., Republic of Korea, and Japan Trilateral Designations Targeting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea The White House 02 Dec 2022
China-Japan defense hotline to start next spring, expected to benefit regional stability Global Times 01 Dec 2022 -- A defense hotline between China and Japan is expected to be launched next spring, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi revealed on Tuesday. Chinese observers said the move can avoid escalation of tensions if miscalculation or other frictions happen between the two sides in their maritime and air relations.

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December 2022 - Japan Special Weapons News