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2013 June 12 - 18 [SDF]

editorial  Japan-US joint drill ‘Dawn Blitz’ is an attempt to prepare for wars

June 13, 2013
Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Japan’s Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces on June 10 began staging a joint military exercise, “Dawn Blitz”, with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the State of California scheduled to last until June 26.

The GSDF Western Army, the MSDF escort helicopter carrier “Hyuga”, the Aegis destroyer “Atago”, and the transport vessel “Shimokita”, and the ASDF Command along with 1,000 personnel are participating in the Japan-U.S. joint drill.

Sending such a large armada abroad is ignoring the principles of the Japanese Constitution which declares non-possession of war potential and the renunciation of war.

The United States explained that U.S. Marines-hosted Dawn Blitz exercise is intended to increase the capabilities of amphibious assault operations in order to jointly respond to global-level crises.

The U.S. side is now strengthening its military posture in the Asia Pacific region in order to maintain influence over and involvement with its allies.

Recapture of an remote island

Japan explained that the scenario of the 2-week joint drill is recapturing an occupied remote island. Defense Minister Onodera Itsunori stated that they have no specific enemy country or place in mind but did not deny that they have an eye on the Senkaku Islands issue.

It will only intensify regional tensions if Japan plays a part in participating in U.S. military war games. Japan should strictly refrain itself from taking part in the training exercise displaying its war potential.

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