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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Cost of maintaining Japan-U.S. alliance as an absolute necessity
Akahata editorial

After the Japan-U.S. summit talks on November 16, Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro and U.S. President George Bush held a joint news conference. The prime minister stated that he considers everything from the standpoint of the "Japan-U.S. alliance in the global context." He even stated, "the better our bilateral relations, the easier it would be for us to establish better relations with China, and South Korea." He is asserting that strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is all that is needed, even though Japan's relations with South Korea and China are worsening due to the prime minister's visit to Yasukuni Shrine. This is nothing less than a sophistry covering up Japan's diplomatic stalemate. Relations with various countries in the world can be developed only by settling bilateral problems on the basis of international law and mutual independence. They can not be decided only by the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Koizumi says people must pay cost of security

The Liberal Democratic-Komei Party government led by Koizumi has plans to have the Japan-U.S. alliance take on a global role in the name of "reforming" and "realigning" the Japan-U.S. alliance. In order that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in this framework join with U.S. forces in military operations abroad, the government is working on strengthening the functions of U.S. bases in Japan. Local governments and residents concerned are developing movements opposing the planned consolidation and perpetuation of U.S. bases.

Referring to this issue, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "in order to be able to benefit from peace and stability, we have to pay a certain cost." He sees nothing wrong in forcing the people to pay.

Contrary to the stated aim of achieving Japan's "peace and stability," the realignment and strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance will prepare Japan for war. This means that Japan will take part in U.S. preemptive wars like the Iraq War if the United States starts one in the name of fighting international terrorism or countering weapons of mass destruction. To serve this purpose, the realignment plan includes consolidation of command functions, more shared use of bases and joint exercises, as well as integration of intelligence, communication, strategies, and operations.

The government is also increasing moves to gut Article 9 of the Constitution in order to enable Japan to use force abroad. Its real aim is to transform Japan into a country that participates in wars abroad with U.S. forces.

How can Japan "pay a certain cost" for such evil purposes?

Bush expressed hope that the Japanese government will "work out the issues (of U.S. military realignment) according to the leadership of the Prime Minister and the will of the people." We must let the president know that the "will of the people" is quite different from Koizumi's.

Asked about its policy on the SDF dispatch to Iraq after the present term expires in December, Koizumi stated that he will deal with this "in a comprehensive manner" and "on the basis of the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance."

President Bush's approval rating has plunged to a record low in the face of a stalemate in the Iraq War. The U.S. Senate recently adopted a resolution requiring the president to make quarterly updates to U.S. Congress on a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops.

This resolution reflects American public sentiments seeking an "exit" from the Iraq War.

Many of the "Coalition of the Willing" that joined the U.S. in sending troops to Iraq have announced their withdrawal from Iraq.

It is extraordinary that Japan keeps the SDF in Iraq for the sake of the "Japan-U.S. alliance."

Toward independent Japan in peace

The Koizumi government's policy of unconditionally supporting the Japan-U.S. military alliance will drag Japan into a more dangerous course at the cost of true peace and security.

Equal and friendly Japan-U.S. relations can be established only when the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty is abolished, the U.S. forces withdrawn, and U.S. military bases removed from Japan. If these goals are met, it will greatly contribute to establishing an independent Japan as well as contribute to the peace and safety of the world. -- Akahata, November 17, 2005