일 ‘소비세 감세’ 정책에 발목?…방위비 ‘GDP 대비 3.5%’ 못박기 일단 보류

The Japanese government is reportedly considering not including the 3.5% defense spending target, set by the United States, in its national security documents known as the "Three Documents." According to the Asahi Shimbun, the government is reviewing the plan to omit the 3.5% target amid calls from the U.S. administration for alliance nations to increase defense spending to meet that goal.

Instead, the government plans to significantly increase costs related to defense, showing commitment to strengthening U.S. defense capabilities and gaining their support.

The "Three Documents" comprise Japan's defense basic plan, a top-level guideline for foreign and security policy, a comprehensive detailed plan for defense forces, and the national defense strategy. The documents are updated roughly every decade, but the current government, led by Yoshihide Suga, is pushing for a more aggressive defense force boost in response to China's expanding presence in the Pacific.

The government has been following U.S. calls for defense spending to be at least 3.5% of a country's GDP, and it has already moved up Japan's defense budget target from 2% of GDP to 2.2% by using a supplementary budget last year.

If the government agrees to the 3.5% target, it will be due to financial concerns. Last year, Japan allocated around ¥11 trillion (US$93.6 billion) to reach the 2% target. For next year, the government plans to set aside approximately ¥8.8 trillion (US$74.9 billion) for defense-related expansion, including public infrastructure maintenance, and maintain the 2% level.

To reach the 3.5% target, Japan would need a budget of roughly ¥20 trillion (US$187.2 billion) – a substantial increase that would put a considerable strain on the government's finances. The government is currently facing a significant budgetary burden due to plans to reduce the consumption tax on food and other necessities from 8% to effectively 0% next year.