The Japanese government has announced plans to task the country's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) with protecting critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants if an attack would target civilian facilities and infrastructure.
This action is in response to Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's nuclear power reactors and the electrical grid. Power disruptions induced by these attacks have made daily life and business in Ukraine difficult.
Heightened Defense
The Japanese government will modify the SDF's operating policy, which is now limited to responding to emergencies, in order to prepare for such threats. According to Nikkei Asia, the SDF will also practice intercepting missiles during peacetime drills with the police and Japan Coast Guard in municipalities where the SDF is located.
The same report from Nikkei Asia tells us that the decision to strengthen infrastructure protection measures is outlined in Japan's National Security Strategy, which was approved by the cabinet in December.
The strategy includes a promise to set up a way for the SDF, the police, and the Coast Guard to work together to protect the operation of nuclear power plants, electric power and telecommunications facilities, and other important infrastructure.
These measures are being taken in the event of an armed attack and in the run-up to a crisis that does not lead to such an attack. Protecting critical civilian infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants, is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions, which govern the conduct of war.
The recent attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for potential threats to critical facilities. Japan's efforts to better protect its own infrastructure are necessary to ensure that its people are safe and secure.
Dangers of Nuclear Plant Attack
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to the annual nuclear report, has resulted in a number of firsts in terms of radiation hazards, including the commercial operation of nuclear power plants during a full-scale war.
Based on the research, the bombardment of commercial reactors, enemy troops occupying nuclear facilities, and the operation of reactors under physical threat might all represent substantial concerns. There are no nuclear power plants in the world that have been designed to function under those conditions, the report underscores.
According to reports, Russia's war on Ukraine and the potential of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan emphasize the necessity for Japan to develop an independent defense system that is not completely reliant on the US military.
Documents signed by the government, like the "National Security Strategy" (NSS), lay out plans like increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP and making it possible to target enemy missile launch sites with counter-strikes.
The NSS characterizes Japan as "in the midst of the most severe postwar security environment," emphasizing that it confronts threats from North Korea and China, both of which have launched missiles near the country on many occasions. According to the paper, Japan will "prepare a firm foundation for the worst-case scenario."
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