Time to be honest about Japan’s defense deficiency

US needs to tell Defense Minister Nubuo Kishi what it really means and needs at his upcoming trip to Washington

Japans’ new defense minister, Nobuo Kishi, reportedly will visit Washington in October. The typical first visit is a get-to-know-you affair where both sides smile and declare “steady as she goes,” and “the alliance has never been stronger.”

The Japanese government holds its breath, hoping the US doesn’t ask for anything difficult, which means anything more than Japan is already doing or planning to do.

The US alliance managers tread carefully so as not to upset the Japanese. For both sides, a smooth visit is a successful visit. More substantial and potentially contentious matters can always be put off for later.

Meanwhile, the People’s Republic of China is launching ships at a prodigious clip, building its air force, and figuring out how to use it all to defeat China’s enemies – a category that includes Japan and the US.

Press reports indicate that the recently canceled Aegis Ashore missile defense project will be a main topic of discussion.

Aegis Ashore is important – as is an integrated air and missile defense for both Japan and the US. But if by magic Aegis Ashore were resolved immediately, it would not solve Japan’s defense shortcomings.

A suggestion: The US should consider what it most needs from Japan, defense-wise – and ask for it while Kishi is in town. (I wrote recently about how important it is to tell a Japanese prime minister directly what it is the US really and truly needs. The same advice goes when you’re dealing with a defense minister.)

What does the US need? A more capable Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF) that can fight alongside US forces and vice versa.

As for the more capable JSDF, it’s not considered polite to say the following, but with the People’s Liberation Army breathing down Japanese and American necks, here goes:

The Japanese military is not built or configured for or capable of fighting an actual war against a serious opponent. And the Chinese are a serious opponent.

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