The recent past in Japan has been gloomed by the in-full-swing development of its missile defense system (MDS) to which Japan has been taxing its ingenuity as best as it can and exerting its utmost. It's reported that the US government has given green light to the sale of 80 additional "Patriot"-III land-based interceptor missiles to Japan to meet the latter's moved-up deployment plan of its MDS. Japan's Defense Agency has also made it definite to upgrade the five EP-3 electronic reconnaissance aircraft which are the ingredients of the MDS, in a bid to improve the ability of picking up electronic intelligence.

　　Prior to this, Japan has already done a great deal in developing its MDS. Analysts believe that the driving motivation of Japan's craving for developing its MDS lies in its expectation of intensifying its alliance with the US through their cooperation in the MDS and then enhancing the actual operational capability of its self-defense forces by drawing support from the alliance. To Japan which has been stretching its mind to secure a big military power status, this no doubt is an approach with "small input but big output".

　　Japan has been energetic in making great efforts to boost its military strength including the MDS and has been trying to seek after its own "absolute security". At the same time, Japan asserts that it will take a leaf out of the American book by embracing the strategy of "pre-emptive strike". To the peace and security of Asia and the whole world, these steps taken by Japan spell no positive significance but will make people feel unsafe instead.

　　By Zhang Shun

　　(Sept 4, PLA Daily)