In Geopolitics This Week
Japan Unveils Massive Military Build-up, European Parliament Embroiled in Corruption Scandal, The US Preparing to Provide Ukraine with Patriot Anti-Air System, and other stories.
Japan Unveils Massive Military Build-up
The Japanese government has announced an updated national security strategy, national defence strategy and a new defence build-up program that will significantly bolster Japan’s military power. In addition to announcing its intention to establish a greater military presence in the region, Japan will also create a permanent joint command with the United States to better coordinate between their militaries.
On Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio’s cabinet approved the three key security documents, marking a major turning point in Japan’s policy of maintaining a purely defence-oriented military. Japan is now in the process of returning to “a normal nation” by allowing the possession and the possible use of offensive capabilities to strike against enemy missile bases before an armed attack on Tokyo can be realised. Together, these three documents will shape Japan’s overall strategy, defence policy, and defence acquisition goals for years to come.
These strategies and programs begin a major military build-up worth up to $320 billion that promises to arm Japan in anticipation of a sustained regional conflict. The documents released signal that Tokyo will work to stockpile spare parts and munitions, develop cyber warfare capabilities, reinforce logistics and cooperate more closely with the US while doing so. The military build-up is likely to stoke tensions with other regional powers, though Tokyo may intensify diplomatic efforts in tandem with increased defence procurement as a way to avoid complicating key relationships.
European Parliament Embroiled in Corruption Scandal
A court in Belgium has charged four people over influencing decisions in the European Parliament (EP) in exchange for gifs and money from Qatar. Prosecutors reportedly searched 16 houses and seized assets in Brussels as part of an investigation into money laundering and corruption within the EP.
Several national leaders have warned that the scandal had the potential to damage the EU’s reputation at a time when Brussels is working hard to maintain unity over the war in Ukraine as energy costs are soaring. The current case so far only involves the European Parliament, and the lawmakers involved in the corruption allegations come from a single political bloc: the Socialists & Democrats.
While four individuals have reportedly been charged and two released, reports have not specified the identities of all those involved. Of those charged, the highest-profile target remanded in custody appears to be the Greek MEP Eva Kaili. Media reports suggest Qatar was the state at the centre of the allegations, however, a Qatari official “categorically” rejected any attempts to associate his country with “accusations of misconduct”.
For the EU, the crisis could prove toxic. This is because Qatar is suspected of having directly offered “large sums of money" and “substantial gifts” to influence the European decision-making process. Following the allegations, members of the European Parliament have voted to suspend all Qatari representatives from accessing EU premises. MEPs have also asked for all work on “legislative files” relating to Qatar to be stopped.
The US Preparing to Provide Ukraine with Patriot Anti-Air System
The United States is reportedly in the final stages of approving the transfer of a Patriot anti-air missile system to Ukraine. While the decision is not yet final, the move has come to light after three officials spoke of what they said was an upcoming announcement on the matter.
The Patriot system rumoured to be sent to Ukraine is apparently going to come from Pentagon stocks and be moved from another country. If the reports are to be believed, Ukraine would receive a single Patriot missile battery from the United States. Such a truck-mounter Patriot battery includes eight launchers, each of which can hold four missiles. The entire system also includes a phased array radar, a control station, and a number of computers and generators.
Whatever the means of transferring a Patriot system to Ukraine, such a move would impede Moscow's ability to impose negotiations on Kiev as the primary means to end the conflict. The deployment of the defence system would complicate Russia's ongoing air campaign and make it even less likely that Moscow would coerce Kiev to the negotiating table. However, operating the Patriot air defence system is expensive and in no way portends further Ukrainian gains on the battlefield next year or a significant escalation of the war, despite Russian threats.