Arguments in support of 'attack on enemy bases' go against Constitution: JCP Shii

Japan Press Weekly

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

Arguments in support of 'attack on enemy bases' go against Constitution: JCP Shii

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on May 28 criticized the argument justifying the notion that Japan can preemptively strike enemy bases.

He stated this in answer to reporters' questions regarding the opinion arising from the government and ruling Liberal Democratic Party officials asserting that such preemptive attack capability is necessary in view of the recent North Korean nuclear test.

Shii said, "This is the worst form of response that will give rise to a vicious circle of military responses undermining the constitutional order and world peace."

"Their argument in support of attack on enemy military bases amounts to justifying preemptive attacks by taking advantage of North Korea's nuclear test. Such an action is strictly prohibited by the United Nations Charter, and it flagrantly violates the war-renouncing Constitution of Japan," he said.

The JCP chair stressed, "Without doubt, the North Korean nuclear test is unconscionable. However, the task now is for the international community to take concerted diplomatic efforts with the aim of persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program and unconditionally return to the Six Party Talks."

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At a House of Councilors committee meeting on May 28, Prime Minister Aso Taro reiterated his view that it is legally possible for Japan to maintain the capability to attack enemy military bases, apparently with pre-emptive strikes on North Korea's missile launch base in mind. Aso insisted that such action is within the framework of "constitutional self-defense."

- Akahata, May 29, 2009