December 18, 2010
HOME
> 2010 December 15 - 21
|
||
| Prev | Search | Next |
| Tweet |
2010 December 15 - 21 [SDF]
Further arms buildup goes against Constitution: Ichida on new defense guideline |
The National Defense Program Guidelines and the Midterm Defense Program, revised for the first time under the Democratic Party of Japan-led government, throw away the conventional “basic defense force concept” and introduce “dynamic defense capabilities” that focus on the Self-Defense Forces’ “readiness, mobility, flexibility, and sustainability.” They project a use of 23.5 trillion yen for the military budget in the next five years in order to develop the SDF’s ability to respond swiftly to military contingencies worldwide.
Indicating the need to respond to “global security challenges,” to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. for an enhanced Japan-U.S. alliance, and to study the “five principles of PKO participation,” the guideline calls for the strengthening of the framework and arrangement for the SDF to participate in wars abroad with U.S. forces.
This paves the way for a dangerous path in the operation and structure of the SDF, which even the former Liberal Democratic Party government could not propose, and must be blocked.
The new guideline describes China’s military buildup and North Korea’s military activities as a “matter of concern” and as “grave destabilizing factors,” and proposes the development of Aegis destroyers equipped with an anti-ballistic missile capability and more submarines as well as the deployment of new SDF units.
The proposal creates a vicious cycle of an escalation of military tensions. What is needed now is diplomatic initiatives to build a peaceful environment in East Asia. Considering the current development of economic relations and personal exchanges in the region, Japan should break away from the idea of taking military-oriented countermeasures and develop frameworks, such as the Six-Party Talks and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), for fostering dialogue and trust as well as working to resolve conflicts by peaceful means.
While stopping short of addressing the revision of the three principles banning arms exports, the guideline does not hide the intension to lift the ban in the near future by stating that the government will study measures to follow the “international trend” of joint development and production of military arms and equipment.
Arms exports by the big powers have resulted in international conflicts. However, the three principles on arms exports that Japan has long maintained under Article 9 of the Constitution have gained international trust. The principles should not be abandoned.
The Japanese Communist Party strongly opposes this dangerous plan to further infringe on the constitutional principle of peace and promote military buildup enabling SDF operations abroad. We call for a retraction of the new guideline.
- Akahata, December 18, 2010
| Prev | Next |