When it was pointed out that there may be more costs for purchasing equipment due to the low yen, he denied it.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on the 27th that there is no change in his policy to increase the total defense budget to 43 trillion yen (about 377 trillion won) over the five years from 2023 to 2027.
According to local public broadcasters NHK and the Mainichi Shimbun, at the budget committee meeting of the House of Councilors on this day, Kiyomi Tsujimoto, a member of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of the House of Councilors, said to Prime Minister Kishida, “When it was decided last year to increase the defense budget to 43 trillion yen over the next five years, , the exchange rate was calculated at 108 yen per dollar. “At the current exchange rate, isn’t it well over 43 trillion yen?” he asked.
He repeatedly pointed out, “There is only one (way): reduce equipment or greatly increase it.”
In response, Prime Minister Kishida said, “The amount of 43 trillion yen is the amount reviewed to prepare the necessary defense capabilities,” and added, “Because it is a number decided by the Cabinet (State Council), there is no change in our policy to strengthen defense capabilities within this range.” revealed. It was indicated that there will be no further increase.
He went on to say, “We will look into ways to maintain practical deterrence and response capabilities,” such as purchasing equipment all at once while “keeping a clear eye on exchange rate trends.”
He also said, “We will specify what kind of effective strengthening of defense capabilities is realistically possible in line with securing financial resources.”
Previously, at the end of last year, the Cabinet decided to increase the total defense budget to 43 trillion yen over the five years from 2023 to 2027.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kishida spoke about the truce between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas at the Budget Committee of the House of Councilors on this day, saying, “The world is paying attention to the future, including the liberation of hostages.” “We will continue our efforts to calm the situation with Israel and the countries involved,” he said. “We will closely monitor the situation in the future and then decide on a specific response,” he said.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.