Japanese Ruling Party Wants Ability to Strike Enemy Bases

The Japanese military should be able to strike enemy missile bases, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is finalizing a proposal to urge the Japanese government in this regard.

The LDP is hoping to finalize the proposal by May so that it will be reflected in the country’s defense buildup guidelines to be reviewed at the end of the year. A draft outline of a party proposal on security issues showed Thursday, according to a report by Kyodo news agency.

Citing North Korean threats, China’s maritime assertiveness and Russia’s military buildup on disputed islands off Hokkaido, the LDP draft called for the Japanese Self-defence Forces to improve its ability to strike enemy targets rather than have a merely defensive ability.

With North Korea repeatedly test-firing ballistic missiles and improving its ability to conduct surprise attacks through the use of mobile launchers, the Japanese public is increasingly concerned over a likely hit on Japan, either intended or unintended.

During North Korea’s series of ballistic missile launches last year, one of the missiles went over Japan and its US-supplied Patriot defence systems were unable to intercept it.

The Defense Ministry announced a plan in December to introduce long-range cruise missiles mounted on fighter jets, while denying any intention to possess the ability to strike foreign military bases.