钟声：日本的“军费账”算丢了历史责任与公道人心

Group 1 - Japan's National Diet has recently passed a supplementary budget for the fiscal year 2025, adding 1.1 trillion yen in defense-related expenses, raising the total annual defense budget to a record approximately 11 trillion yen, which has raised concerns among various sectors [1] - Japan's Defense Minister, Kōzō Inada, attempted to justify the increased defense budget by criticizing China's legitimate defense spending, which is seen as an attempt to obscure Japan's own military expansion [1] - Japan's per capita defense spending and per capita defense personnel costs are more than three times and two times that of China, respectively, with defense spending now accounting for 2% of GDP, leading to media concerns about Japan's status as a peace-loving nation deteriorating [1] Group 2 - Japan has not adequately addressed its historical responsibilities as an aggressor during World War II, and its defense budget has increased for 13 consecutive years, with a nearly 60% rise over the past five years [2] - The country has relaxed collective self-defense rights, developed capabilities for attacking enemy bases, and loosened restrictions on arms exports, which contradicts its post-war obligations and constitutional commitments to peace [2] - The Japanese public is increasingly concerned about the rising defense budget amidst high social security pressures and inflation, with protests emerging against military expansion, indicating a disconnect between government spending priorities and public sentiment [3] Group 3 - The significant increase in defense spending is expected to be funded through tax increases or by diverting resources from education, healthcare, and infrastructure, ultimately burdening ordinary citizens [3] - Scholars have noted that defense spending exceeding 10 trillion yen poses a heavy burden on Japan's economy, which is already facing growth challenges and limited fiscal space [3] - There is a strong public desire for the government to prioritize economic revitalization and social welfare over military expenditures, reflecting a broader concern for the well-being of the populace [3]