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Japan and China Spark New Arms Race in Asia

Posted By The Media Line Staff On In Mideast Mindset

The forecast from the International Institute for Strategic Studies after last year, predicting that a new arms race in Asia would incite regional tensions, appears to be materializing. The report by Tom Karako and Masao Dahlgren in 2023 identified Japan and China as the primary contenders in this anticipated race, which centers on developing and producing unconventional weapons capable of countering hypersonic arms. Recently, the Chinese newspaper China Morning Post reported a significant breakthrough: Chinese scientists have unveiled a radar capable of tracking missiles at speeds of Mach 20 with an accuracy rate of 99.7 percent. This advancement utilizes cutting-edge laser technologies and a novel algorithm that transmits information at the speed of light, processes complex microwave signals, and mitigates issues of false images and targets. Concurrent developments are taking place in Japan, as detailed in a British newspaper, Naval News report. Starting in 2026, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces will begin deploying the Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile supersonic glide missile, a defensive weapon intended for island protection, boasting speeds surpassing the sound barrier and a range of 900 kilometers, with potential extensions by 2030. The Japanese government has expedited the production of this missile in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, one of its leading industrial firms. This move is partly driven by the fact that Japan’s ally, the United States, has fallen somewhat behind China in defensive hypersonic missile technology due to various factors. While Washington has invested over $8 billion in offensive hypersonic missile development over the past two years, its investment in defensive anti-missile technology has been considerably lower. The US Department of Defense does not expect to begin producing defensive anti-missiles before 2034. China’s aggressive fortification with advanced weaponry is undoubtedly rooted in Beijing’s expansionist policies and regional dominance ambitions. This drive aligns with the ruling Communist Party’s doctrine of establishing a Greater China, incorporating Taiwan and disputed islands in the South and East China Seas. Additionally, it is a strategic move to counteract US and allied efforts to contain its aspirations. Due to its authoritarian political system, China faces no significant legislative or popular opposition to competing in the arms race and investing heavily in military projects. On the other hand, Japan, which has only recently started to reconsider its long-held pacifist stance, is under pressure due to regional instability, North Korean provocations, and alliances among its historical rivals. While legal constraints—such as Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan, which limits militarization to self-defense purposes—pose challenges, Japan is compelled to engage in this arms race to safeguard its security and sovereignty. There is also considerable popular opposition from local civil organizations regarding the expansion of military spending. Both Tokyo and Beijing have been driven to enter this arms race in the field of nonconventional weapons to address the unique challenges posed by tracking hypersonic missiles. These missiles’ ability to perform evasive maneuvers and follow low-altitude paths necessitates sensors with exceptional capabilities. An integrated model combining vision, accuracy, sensitivity, and the required satellite infrastructure is crucial for successful interception of such threats.  The unfolding arms race in Asia is a complex and multifaceted issue rooted in deep-seated geopolitical rivalries and technological advancements. Both China and Japan are making significant strides in developing nonconventional weapon systems, responding to the evolving nature of military threats and regional dynamics. —Abdulla Almadani (translated by Asaf Zilberfarb)