![PM Kishida addressing the military after announcing that the defense budget will be doubled amid rising china tensions. The country will maintain its pacifism](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/kishida-japan-pacifism-military-china-tensions-defense-budget-01272023-1.jpg?w=519&h=259&crop=1)
Japan recently announced a series of changes to its defense policy, drawing criticism from rivals and praise from partners. A clearer understanding of the situation requires more balance and less hyperbole. As important as what changed in Tokyo’s defense posture is what did not change—namely, the pacifist stance at the heart of it.