Japan’s December 2022 National Security Strategy and National Defence Strategy attracted widespread international interest. The stated goals include, inter alia, acquiring “counter-strike” missile capabilities for the first time and raising the official defence budget by nearly two-thirds by 2027. These are but two of the examples which show how concerned the Japanese are about a rapidly deteriorating regional security environment, which is motivating unprecedented changes to Japan’s defence posture. This expert exchange outlined the announced changes to Japan’s security policy and discussed their implications for Europe and the United States in a lively discussion between the panellists and the audience.
Programme
Welcome Remarks: Tamara Hajji, Representation of the State of Hessen to the European
Union, Brussels
Introductory Remarks: Lisa Eichacher, Programme Officer, SWP Brussels Office
Chair: Lin Goethals, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies, Brussels
Speakers:
Alexandra Sakaki, Deputy Head, Asia Division, SWP, Berlin
Adam P. Liff, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution & Associate Professor, Indiana University
Errol Levy, Desk Officer for Japan, European External Action Service, Brussels
