Japan Press Weekly

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2013 January 16 - 22 [SDF]

DefMin uses Algeria hostage crisis to revise law on SDF activities abroad

Revision of laws may be needed to allow the Self-Defense Forces to implement broader measures to rescue Japanese nationals in life-threatening situations abroad, Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori said on January 19 at a TV program in the wake of ongoing hostage crisis in Algeria.

Under the current Self-Defense Forces Law, the Japanese government is unable to send its armed forces to foreign countries unless their safety is projected to be secured there. In addition, even after the SDF are dispatched, their activities, including the transport of Japanese citizens and the use of weapons, are strictly limited. Onodera’s remarks indicate the strong sentiment being expressed behind the scenes to overcom these limitations.

The DM’s proposal may pave the way for the creation of a new law which will enable the government to deploy troops overseas by using the protection of Japanese nationals as justification.