Japan Press Weekly

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2013 May 15 - 21 [SDF]

LDP aims to add Marines-like unit to SDF

The Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to add to the Self-Defense Forces a branch with functions modeled after the U.S. Marine Corps.

The LDP at a meeting of its national defense-related divisions on May 17 proposed that a new SDF unit equipped with amphibious vehicles and the vertical take-off and landing aircraft Osprey be created. The party said it will formally make a decision on this proposal within this month.

The LDP used the pretext of “defense” of islands in southwestern Japan to set up the new unit, but all the equipment the party listed in the proposal are for the purpose of “invading” other countries. The very nature of the present SDF will change to be an offensive attack force.

The LDP also suggested that it will debate and reach a prompt conclusion regarding Japan’s right to the possession of the capability to attack enemy bases.

Other items put forth in the proposal are: creation of a new constitution; formulation of national “defense” forces; enactment of a national homeland security law enabling Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense; enactment of a permanent overseas deployment law; and promotion of arms exports.

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