Japan uses DPRK as excuse for space plan

On April 5, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) stunned the world by launching an experimental communication satellite into space. The international community has focused its gaze on the DPRK since then, but seems to have ignored Japan's efforts to use the event as an excuse to develop its space program for military purposes.

Japan has the most vociferous reaction in the region to the satellite launch. It even threatened to intercept the DPRK's rocket. To cope with the so-called "missile threat" from the DPRK, Japan deployed three "Aegis" destroyers to form a barrier on sea, and its Ground Self-Defense Force set up anti-aircraft missiles around Tokyo and in northern Japan to form a shield on land.

Japan's "hard" reaction to the DPRK's satellite launch shows its intention to take advantage of the situation. Many experts say Japan may use the DPRK satellite launch as a pretext to further build up its conventional arms. But I believe it will use it as an excuse to develop its military space program because its conventional military machinery, especially its navy, is already in the top tier in Asia. In fact, no Asian country poses a real threat to Japan.