Japan's military expansion and its risks to the Global South
via NewsDay Zimbabwe9 min read
In 2026, Japan formally repealed its nearly eight-decade ban on lethal arms exports, marking a significant shift from its postwar pacifist framework. This transformation, fueled by increasing defense budgets and constitutional revision efforts, is turning Japan into a military actor capable of long-range power projection and mass arms exports. While often framed as a response to regional security concerns, this military rearmament is seen by Africa and the broader Global South as a proactive strategic choice tied to the US-led Indo-Pacific hegemonic architecture. Its effects extend to Africa through resource, aid, and defense cooperation, posing long-term security and developmental risks. Japan's 2026 defense budget reached 9.04 trillion yen, aiming for 2 percent of its GDP, with massive funding for next-generation fighter jets, long-range cruise missiles, and offshore naval vessels. This expansion is supported by the United States, which has loosened Japan's military constraints to offset Indo-Pacific defense costs. NATO's integration with Japan through the Global Combat Air Programme further signifies cross-regional military bloc polarization. The article argues that the regional military escalation is driven by Japan's offensive military expansion and America's forward military deployment, rather than a mutual security dilemma. Japan's arms exports to Southeast Asian nations are fueling military proliferation and escalating maritime tensions. This military resurgence also
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.
The Sables have announced a 31-man squad for their upcoming SAS training camp as they prepare for a showdown against SA A. This development comes amidst various other news items from Zimbabwe, including discussions on increased US investment, the potential for hybrids over electric vehicles, and calls for stronger safety measures on the Kamandama disaster anniversary. Other reports highlight foreign military attachés touring ARDA projects, National Foods investing US$25 million in local milling, and Mpilo beginning the installation of a new cancer treatment machine. The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange's market capitalization stood at approximately US$3.26 billion, while VFEX reached US$3.54 billion, with expectations for more ZSE delistings to sustain VFEX momentum in FY26. Concerns were also raised about political tensions at grasslands plots leading to violent attacks and forced evictions, power outages and raw material shortages affecting ART operations, and the urgency of high-integrity carbon markets and local credit ratings for climate finance.
The Zimbabwe Stock Exchange's market capitalization was approximately US$3.26 billion as of last Friday, while the Victoria Falls Exchange VFEX stood at US$3.54 billion. This comes as National Foods has invested US$25 million in local milling, and Mpilo has begun installing a new cancer treatment machine. Foreign military attachés recently toured ARDA projects, commending Zimbabwe's agricultural efforts. However, ART operations have been affected by power outages and raw material shortages, leading to a 6% decline in export volumes and a 26% decline in paper division volumes during the third quarter to June 2022. There are also calls for urgent action on ecosystem restoration and climate resilience, with an emphasis on high-integrity carbon markets and local credit ratings for climate finance.
As of last Friday, the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange's market capitalization was approximately US$3.26 billion, while the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange VFEX recorded a market capitalization of US$3.54 billion. This comparison highlights the current financial standing of both exchanges.