Japan's Ruling and Coalition Parties to Begin Talks Next Month on Revising Three Security Documents

As the Japanese government prepares to revise its three key security documents within the year, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), have reportedly agreed to launch working-level discussions starting next month, according to outlets such as the Yomiuri Shimbun.

The LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai plan to iron out differences between the two parties regarding the three security documents, which include considerations for introducing nuclear-powered submarines and numerical targets for defense spending.

The three security documents refer to Japan's National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program.

In June, both the LDP and Nippon Ishin no Kai submitted their respective proposals for revising the three security documents to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, but their contents differ.

Nippon Ishin no Kai has argued for a review of the "introduction prohibition" principle—part of Japan's Three Non-Nuclear Principles—and the necessity of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.

The Three Non-Nuclear Principles state that Japan shall not possess, produce, or introduce nuclear weapons, and are considered one of the nation's state policies.

In contrast, the LDP merely requested the "utilization of next-generation power" to acquire submarines equipped with Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) capable of firing long-range missiles.

The scale of defense spending increases to strengthen defense capabilities is also expected to be on the agenda.

In its proposal, the LDP did not include specific target figures, instead demanding that "indispensable expenses" be calculated and totaled. Meanwhile, Nippon Ishin no Kai maintains that concrete numerical targets should be presented.

Alongside reconciling these differing positions between the two parties, another key issue is expected to be how to secure financial resources for the defense spending increases, particularly alongside the food consumption tax cuts promoted by the Takaichi administration.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.