JCP suggests constructive policy options in security issues

Japan Press Weekly

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

JCP suggests constructive policy options in security issues

Japan's post-general election diplomacy will need to deal with several crucial issues in September, including those related to Japan-U.S. relations.

A series of important international conferences are set to take place in the United States, such as a high-level meeting to discuss issues related to global warming, the U.N. General Assembly starting with a general discussion, an enlarged U.N. Security Council meeting on nuclear disarmament, and a G20 financial summit.

Japan's prime minister and the U.S. president are to meet on the sidelines at these conferences.

Secret agreement on N-weapons

At Japan-U.S. summit meetings, the two leaders will discuss the issue of a secret agreement the two countries concluded nearly a half century ago on nuclear weapons and the ban on the bringing of nuclear weapons into Japan in connection with the Japanese policy of Three Non-Nuclear Principles (not to possess, make, or allow N-weapons to be brought into Japan).

On a TV debate program aired on August 23, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo pointed out that this secret deal is still in place, saying, "U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines, which often come to Japan carry nuclear capable Tomahawk cruise missiles."

Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama Yukio at the same debate said, "We will go to the United States to conduct an investigation into the facts, and will explain to the public our findings at the appropriate time." He also promised that he will encourage President Obama not to bring nuclear weapons into Japan.

The JCP, as a constructive opposition party seeking an independent diplomacy for peace, demands that Japan release the entire agreement made in secret, scrap it, and strictly prohibit nuclear weapons from being brought into Japan in compliance with the Three Non-Nuclear Principles in order to make Japan nuclear weapons free.

U.S. military bases in Japan

The governments of Japan and the United States have agreed on the steady implementation of the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.

Calling for an equal Japan-U.S. alliance, the DPJ says it will review the U.S. military realignment and need for U.S. military forces in Japan.

Regarding the U.S. Futenma Air Station, which forces Okinawans to shoulder a heavier burden, the DPJ says it should be moved out of Okinawa but does not oppose the framework of the Japan-U.S. Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) agreement.

The JCP, in contrast, clearly calls for unconditional removal of the base and withdrawal from the SACO agreement.

SDF dispatches abroad

The question whether or not to continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission for foreign vessels, including U.S. warships, in the Indian Ocean is also an important issue.

DPJ President Hatoyama on August 11 said, "We will consider the issue as part of a confidence-building effort with President Obama rather than calling for an immediate withdrawal of the SDF from the Indian Ocean."

The JCP argues that the SDF refueling operation is contributing to the U.S.-led war in violation of the Japanese Constitution, and urges the DPJ to call for an immediate pullout of the Japanese troops.

- Akahata, August 29, 2009