December 18, 2010
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2010 December 15 - 21 [SDF]
Gov’t calls for building ‘dynamic defense force’ |
The new defense guideline, crafted for the first time by the Democratic Party of Japan-led government, outlines Japan’s defense policy for the next 10 years starting with FY 2011.
The government in the guideline decided to change its military policy to one of building a “dynamic defense force” from the “basic defense concept” which supposedly aims to defend Japan.
The NDPG describes China’s military modernization and buildup as “concern for the regional and global community” and calls for the deployment of Self-Defense Force units to the Nansei Islands in the southernmost part of Japan, as well as an increase in the present number of submarines.
The NDPG explains that a “dynamic defense force” will “increase the credibility of Japan’s deterrent capability by promoting timely and active ‘operations’” and will “enable Japan to play active roles in various occasions.” It places importance on improving the mobility and readiness of the SDF and intends to send the SDF not only to the Asia-Pacific region but anywhere in the world.
The NDPG states that with the SDF presence abroad, “Japan will participate in international peace cooperation activities in a more efficient and effective manner.” As a means to achieve this, the NDPG states that five requirements for participation in peace-keeping operations will be examined.
Stressing that the Japan-U.S. alliance is “indispensable”, the NDPG states that Japan will develop “cooperation with the United States” in various fields, including missile defense and cyber space security. It promises steady implementation of the bilateral agreement to realign the U.S. forces in Japan, including a new U.S. base to be constructed in Okinawa. The NDPG also states that the U.S. nuclear deterrence is essential.
On the same day, the government approved the five-year Midterm Defense Program which maps out a policy on military buildup based on the NDPG. The program is projected to cost 23.49 trillion yen in total.
- Akahata, December 18, 2010
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