 JCP opposes allowing SDF official to launch ballistic missiles The government in the cabinet meeting on February 15 approved a bill to amend the Self-Defense Forces Law to the effect that in case an imminent missile attack on Japan is predicted, the Defense Agency director general may order launching interceptor missiles either with or without an approval by the prime minister under a new procedure. The bill will allow an SDF commander to deal with the issue in case of extreme urgency even without approval by the DA chief, Akahata said. At the press conference on the same day, Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi stated that the JCP is opposed to the new government missile policy. He said: "The SDF Law, if amended, will lead Japan into an endless vicious cycle of an arms race and increase in military tension. We cannot accept such an idea to "counter force with force. Such a step will harm the peace and security not only in Japan but the rest of Asia, running counter to the growing tide for peace in the world. It is serious that the bill, ignoring the Diet, will change the decision making process on launching interceptor missiles toward the worse. What is worse, by introducing this system, Japan will be urged to neutralize enemy missiles under the U.S. missile-defense strategy. This is a very dangerous matter that will automatically involve Japan in U.S. wars." Asked by the press about the JCP views on the relation between the government MD policy and North Korea's unveiled possession of nuclear weapons, Ichida said: "Many Japanese people are anxious about the news. However, the six-party talks are in process to settle the North Korea issue. The need now is for Japan to exert persevering diplomatic efforts so that it will be resolved peacefully. Responding to "force with force" is the worst possible choice." (end) |