A report said the Japanese government has decided to specify "strengthening Pacific defense" in the three key security documents slated for revision this year.
According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 11th, Japan plans to include in the security documents the need to upgrade ports, runways, and surveillance radar networks so the Self-Defense Forces can operate widely in the Pacific.
The three key security documents underpinning Japan's security policy are composed of: ▲ National Security Strategy ▲ National Defense Strategy ▲ Defense buildup plan. The section on strengthening Pacific defense is expected to be specified in the defense buildup plan.
The Ministry of Defense plans to launch a "Pacific defense initiative office" (tentative name) in April this year, before the security documents are revised, to begin full-fledged review of specific policies. It is considering upgrading the port and runways on Ioto (Iwo Jima) and deploying radar on Kitadaitojima.
Ioto is an island about 1,250 kilometers south of Tokyo, located midway between the Japanese archipelago and Guam, a U.S. military hub. Japan plans to install a pier-like structure so large vessels can dock at Ioto.
Kitadaitojima is an island about 360 kilometers east of Okinawa. The government plans to deploy a mobile surveillance-control radar on Kitadaitojima and also develop a long-range missile firing range.
Until now, Japan has focused on building a radar network mainly along the Sea of Japan coast to prepare for North Korean ballistic missile launches. But as Chinese forces have recently increased activity in Okinawa Prefecture and surrounding areas, Japan is strengthening its surveillance capabilities in the Pacific.
On this, the Yomiuri explained, "Japan is trying to reinforce the Self-Defense Forces' 'watchful eyes' to boost the deterrence and response capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance."