Japanese Prime Minister Kishida: "Fundamental Strengthening of Defense Capabilities... Strict Response to Unification Church Issues"

Japanese Prime Minister and LDP President Fumio Kishida
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on the 10th that he will "fundamentally strengthen defense capabilities and fully commit to realizing a 'new capitalism'." He also instructed a strict response regarding the issue of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (formerly the Unification Church), which has emerged as a social problem following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

At a press conference marking the launch of the new cabinet, Prime Minister Kishida explained, "We are facing historical challenges both domestically and internationally, including COVID-19, the Ukraine crisis, tensions between the U.S. and China over Taiwan, and global inflation." He added, "The new cabinet is a 'policy-executing cabinet' prepared to respond to emergencies such as war, composed of ministers with both experience and capability." On this day, Kishida made a major reshuffle, replacing 14 of the 19 ministers, including the Defense Minister.

He identified five priority areas for the new cabinet: fundamentally strengthening defense capabilities, promoting economic security policies, revitalizing the economy through the realization of 'new capitalism,' COVID-19 countermeasures, and strengthening measures against low birth rates.

Regarding discussions on increasing defense spending, Kishida stated, "We will proceed with consideration of former Prime Minister Abe's opinions." Former Prime Minister Abe and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party have argued that Japan's defense budget, currently about 1% of GDP, should be significantly increased to over 2%.

The Kishida cabinet plans to decide on increasing defense spending and whether to possess counterattack capabilities by the end of this year, and revise three security-related documents, including the National Security Strategy.

On the political-religious ties involving the Unification Church, which caused a stir in Japanese politics due to the LDP politicians' election support, Kishida explained, "I have no relation," but pointed out, "While freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution, special care must be taken to avoid suspicion from the public regarding relationships with groups that cause social problems."

He continued, "I have instructed ministers to strictly deal with any illegal acts by religious organizations and to make every effort to consult on fraudulent acts and support victims."

Regarding the state funeral of former Prime Minister Abe, which faces much public opposition, Kishida explained, "Condolences have been expressed from various countries, and it was judged appropriate to hold the funeral as an official state event inviting representatives from each country."