TOKYO: A Japanese government panel of experts on Tuesday proposed that the country possess counterstrike capabilities in order to strengthen its defense power amid an increasingly severe security environment.

The panel’s chair, former Ambassador to the United States Kenichiro Sasae, visited Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio on the day to submit its recommendations.

In the recommendations, the panel also underscored the need to raise taxes to finance a significant increase in defense spending.

Based on the proposals, the government plans to accelerate discussions on the country’s three key defense documents, which the government is slated to update later this year.

“We received valuable recommendations,” Kishida said at the meeting with Sasae. The government “will promote discussions on necessary defense power, budget and fiscal resource, while closely coordinating with the ruling parties,” the prime minister said.

The expert panel mentioned the possession and strengthening of counterstrike capabilities, or the ability to strike enemies’ missile launch bases, as essential for Japan to maintain and enhance its deterrence power.

On how to secure funds for boosting defense expenditures, the panel stressed that the public shouldering the costs through a wide range of taxes is necessary, while noting that spending reform should be prioritized. It did not name specific taxes, such as corporate and income taxes.

Speaking to reporters, Sasae revealed that the panel’s discussions covered a possible corporate tax hike. “We wonder if it’s appropriate to focus only on corporate tax,” he said. “It’s necessary to consider a wide range of options.”

There were no objections from panel members to the possession of counterstrike capabilities, Sasae also said. Still, he added, “It’s necessary to explain sincerely why (such capabilities should be possessed).”

The panel has held four meetings since its launch at the end of September, discussing such issues as the Self-Defense Forces’ equipment, how much defense spending should be increased and how to finance the increase, in view of the increasingly severe security environment around Japan due to China’s expansionist moves in the East and South China seas and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.

JIJI Press