After decades of policy change, Japan announced to buy new missiles

Japan has approved a major overhaul of its defense policy after calling China the 'biggest threat' to its security.

This change in Japan's military force policy comes after decades.

According to the news agency AFP, Japan has vowed to increase security spending by 2 percent by 2027, reshape its military command and acquire new missiles that can target remote areas of the enemy. .

Japanese Prime Minister Fumo Kishida told a news conference on Friday that he is determined to remain steadfast in his mission to protect and defend the country and its people at this critical juncture in history.

Citing Russia's attack on Ukraine as an example, he said, "Increasing nuclear missile capabilities in our neighboring countries and the region, rapid military build-up, attempts to unilaterally change status quo by force, and more clearly done.'

Polls show that the Japanese public largely supports the change, but the change may also be controversial because Japan's post-World War II constitution does not officially recognize the military.

Three defense and security documents approved by the cabinet on Friday described Beijing as the "biggest strategic challenge to Japan's peace and stability ever".

The Japanese government plans to increase its defense spending to two percent of GDP by fiscal year 2027.

This is a significant increase from past spending of around one per cent and there has been criticism of how it will be financed.

The documents state that Japan's current interception missile system is no longer sufficient.

Prime Minister Fumo Kishida has said that 'counterattack capability will be necessary in the future.'

Japanese governments have long held that counterattacks to neutralize enemy attacks are constitutionally permissible.

However, after China's increase in military power and North Korea's missile launches in recent months, the policy has changed.

Understanding the sensitivity of the issue, the documents ruled out pre-emptive strikes and emphasized that Japan was committed to an 'exclusively defensive policy'.

The defense policy will include upgrading existing Japanese weapons as well as purchasing US-made Tomahawk missiles.

Other changes include the establishment of a permanent joint command for Japan's armed forces and an increase in its coast guard.