Japan's security ditches pacifism, stokes fears

Updated documents and record budget on military raise concerns, analysts say

TOKYO — The Japanese government has approved three updated documents on its security and defense policies, vowing to acquire the military power to attack any enemy and largely increase its military spending over the next five years.

Analysts said the publication of the documents marks a fundamental shift in Japan's postwar security ideology and defense policy, violating its exclusively defense-oriented policy and pacifism embodied in the country's Constitution.

The country, by retaking the path as a major military power amid further integration with US forces, will pose new threats to regional peace and stability, the experts said.