国际观察｜日本开年密集外交，搞了哪些小动作

Core Viewpoint - Japan's recent diplomatic activities, termed "Diplomatic Week" by local media, are seen as efforts by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government to promote the "Indo-Pacific" narrative, emphasizing regional security threats to justify military expansion and arms exports [1][3]. Group 1: Diplomatic Activities - Prime Minister Kishida hosted foreign leaders, including South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, discussing the importance of strengthening Japan-South Korea and Japan-U.S.-South Korea cooperation due to a "deteriorating strategic environment" [3]. - Kishida promoted the concept of a "free and open Indo-Pacific" during a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, proposing joint military training between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and Italy's military, as well as accelerating a joint fighter jet development project with the UK and Italy [3][4]. - Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi's visits to the Philippines and India focused on promoting the "free and open Indo-Pacific" narrative, signing a quasi-military agreement with the Philippines and advocating for stronger Japan-U.S.-Australia-India cooperation [3][4]. Group 2: Military Expansion - Japan's government is accelerating military expansion under the guise of addressing "regional security threats," with a defense budget reaching a record high of 9.04 trillion yen for the fiscal year 2026 [8]. - The budget includes a significant increase in funding for the "Government Security Capability Enhancement Support" project, aimed at providing weapons and technology to other countries, particularly in Southeast Asia [8]. - The Kishida administration has expedited the goal of defense spending reaching 2% of GDP, revised national security strategies, and is seeking to relax restrictions on arms exports to stimulate the domestic military industry [8][10]. Group 3: Regional and Domestic Reactions - The "free and open Indo-Pacific" narrative has raised concerns among regional countries and domestic critics, who view it as a geopolitical maneuver aimed at containment and confrontation [7][10]. - Critics argue that Japan's military budget reflects a shift away from its "defensive" posture, potentially destabilizing the region and contradicting its historical pacifism [10]. - The push for military expansion has been met with protests in Japan, highlighting public opposition to the government's militarization efforts and concerns over regional stability [10].