社评：军费狂飙，日本“新军国主义”加速显形

Core Viewpoint - Japan's cabinet has approved a record defense budget of 9.0353 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2026, marking the 14th consecutive year of military spending increases, reflecting a shift towards a more aggressive military posture [1][2]. Group 1: Defense Budget and Military Policy - The approved defense budget is only the initial figure, with actual defense spending expected to reach approximately 11 trillion yen by the end of 2025, accounting for 2% of GDP [1]. - The budget indicates a systematic overturning of Japan's "self-defense" principle and a move towards becoming a "capable military nation," with a focus on offensive capabilities, including long-range strike capabilities and enhanced air and naval forces [1][2]. Group 2: Strategic Shift and Military Ambitions - Japan is transitioning from a passive defense strategy to an active deterrence strategy, with the development of "counterattack capabilities" and the deployment of long-range missiles in strategic locations [2]. - The budget includes increased investments in space and cyber capabilities, with plans to establish an "Aerospace Self-Defense Force" and develop "aerospace aircraft carriers," raising concerns about a new arms race in space [2]. Group 3: Historical Context and International Implications - Japan's military expansion contradicts post-World War II commitments to peace, as outlined in documents like the Potsdam Declaration and Article 9 of the Peace Constitution, which mandates the renunciation of war [3]. - The aggressive military policy is seen as a result of right-wing forces in Japan, which have been promoting narratives of external threats to justify military buildup, reminiscent of pre-war militarism [3][4]. Group 4: Regional Stability Concerns - Japan's current military trajectory poses risks not only to its own future but also to peace and stability in East Asia, raising questions about its commitment to peaceful development versus militarization [4].