Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba delivered his first policy speech to parliament on 4 October, warning that “today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia” and expressing concerns about an increasingly divided world, as per AFP.

The 67-year-old former defense minister, who assumed office earlier this week, addressed several key issues facing Japan, including regional security concerns, deteriorating relations with China, and the country’s demographic challenges.

Without directly mentioning China, Ishiba highlighted the worsening relations between Japan and its neighbor. He noted the increasing military presence of Beijing around disputed territories in the region, stating,

“Many fear that today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia. Why did deterrence not work in Ukraine?”

The Prime Minister emphasized the particular concern shared by Japan, the United States, and other allies regarding China’s claims over democratic Taiwan. Beijing has never renounced the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Ishiba also addressed the broader geopolitical landscape, saying,

“Combined with the situation in the Middle East, the international community is becoming increasingly divided and confrontational.”

The speech touched upon Japan’s recent defense initiatives, which have further strained relations with China. These include plans for a significant increase in defense spending and strengthening security ties with allies such as the United States, the Philippines, and South Korea.

Earlier this week, Ishiba expressed support for creating a regional military alliance similar to NATO, stating that the security environment in Asia was “the most severe since the end of World War II.”

In addition to security concerns, the Prime Minister addressed Japan’s demographic challenges, describing the country’s low birth rate as a “quiet emergency.”

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