HTTP://WWW.STOPNATO.ORG.UK
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[I think we might consider two aspects within the
article below:
Firstly that Japan does have the
right to defence that is to say the right to defend
itself from an invading imperial power which stands
in sharp contrast to US and other western imperial
powers demand that Japan maintains a 'defence'
which is in reality no defence against an invading
imperial power.
Secondly that we need to oppose Japans recent
rearmament which although going under the title
title of 'defence' is clearly aimed at playing a support
role to the western imperial powers and could easily
be transformed into an imperial offensive in its own
right.
In short I think we need to say; Japan: defence
yes, offence no.... Bill]
[Via Communist Internet... http://www.egroups.com/group/Communist-Internet ]
[Subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ]
.
.Japan's New Defence Plans Alarming: Analysis.
Japan has frequently and dramatically restructured its security and defence
strategies in the first year of the new millennium, sending a strong signal
that it intends to be a military superpower.
Japan has frequently and dramatically restructured its security and
defence strategies in the first year of the new millennium, sending a strong
signal that it intends to be a military superpower.
The height of the restructuring occurred in late October of 2001 when the
Upper House of Japan's Parliament approved anti-terrorism legislation
authorizing its military to support the US-led war on terrorism. By ignoring
many provisions in its former security and defence policies Japan paved the
way to dispatch troops overseas.
In line with the new legislation, Japan's Self-Defence Forces (SDF) can
provide military support, such as escorts, guards, intelligence and
logistics, but not direct combat services in the anti-terrorism war.
Restraints on SDF's carrying and use of weapons were also significantly
relaxed.
Furthermore, Japan's anti-terrorism law sheds a previous measure requiring
the government to seek approval from the Parliament before dispatching
troops. Instead, it must seek post-deployment approval within 20 days after
the beginning of the operation.
The anti-terrorism law also expands the geographical area in which Japanese
troops can be sent to, in theory, anywhere in the world. Japan's legislation
on emergencies covers "areas surrounding Japan" and confines emergency
activities to the west Pacific Ocean.
After the outbreak of the war in Afghanistan, Japan deployed sophisticated
warships to escort US aircraft carriers to the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.
Today, six Japanese warships remain in those waters.
Japan is also amending its defence outline, which lays down basic principles
regarding the scope of its defence needs. The original outline was drawn up
in 1976. After the end of the Cold War, the Japanese Government, in 1995,
made significant changes, placing more emphasis on the diverse roles of the
SDF.
With changes in international circumstances and the Asia-Pacific security
environment in the past few years, Japan quickened the pace on its path to
becoming a political and military giant.
It moved up its previous 2005 target date for establishing a new defence
outline to 2003. A special group led by Japan's Defence Agency has been
established to prepare for that action.
The new defence outline is expected to reflect the following trends in
Japan's security and defence strategy.
Japan will redeploy its military force and divert its focus to the southwest
areas of the nation, keeping China and the Democratic People's Republic of
Korea alert.
Japan's year 2000 white paper on defence claimed that the Chinese mainland's
medium-range ballistic missile is capable of hitting Taiwan Province and
Japan. The 2001 white paper devoted more space to China's military
development and exaggerated the size of China's military capability. It also
compared the military capability of the Chinese mainland with that of the
Taiwan island.
This indicates that Japan views China as a major strategic target of
defence, and it is ready to interfere militarily in the Taiwan Straits
region.
Japanese military authorities have decided to transport some of its troops
stationed in the north to the south of Japan. The south enjoys the privilege
of possessing advanced weapons. And the number of aircraft and warships in
the southwest of the nation has been boosted.
Japan's current defence strategy emphasizes the SDF's ability to cope with
emergencies. New institutions charged with the responsibility for handling
military emergencies have been set up.
In line with new regulations passed by the Parliament in December, in
emergencies, including attacks by armed guerrillas or attacks using nuclear,
biological and chemical weapons, Japan's prime minister can independently,
before the cabinet makes any decision, order that an attack be launched.
Japan's local governments and police force will be under the direct command
of the prime minister, thus greatly expanding his power.
The year 2001 also witnessed Japan's support for the US National Missile
Defence (NMD) system as well as the Theater Missile Defence (TMD) system.
Japan reached agreement with the United States in 1998 to jointly develop
the TMD system. In 1999, efforts at joint technological research began,
which will continue for five to six years and cost 20-30 billion yen
(US$153-230 million). From 2006, the deployment of the system will begin.
In addition to active participation in the US-led TMD programme, Japan, for
the first time, declared last August that it planned to develop its own
national missile defence system.
Japan has formed its own intelligence collection network, and the nation's
involvement in TMD research will advance its ability to develop its own
missile defence system.
If Japan succeeds in developing its own missile defence system, significant
impacts on the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region can be
expected.
Japan's defence budget hit a record high in 2001 of 4.9 trillion yen (US$45
billion), a 0.4 per cent growth rate over 2000.
In December 2000, Japan's cabinet approved a 25 trillion yen (US$227
billion) medium-range defence buildup programme, which aimed to add advanced
equipment to its maritime and air forces. The five-year defence plan was
established in fiscal 2001.
Under the programme, the Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) will build
13,500-ton class helicopter-carrying destroyers and the new vessels are
likely to more than double the size of previous destroyers.
MSDF officials do not rule out the possibility of remodeling the ships to
serve as conventional aircraft carriers.
Four aerial refueling tankers will be introduced, which will extend the
flight range of SDF aircraft.
The programme also includes the purchase of two additional Aegis-equipped
destroyers, as well as domestic development of successors to the P-3C patrol
aircraft.
In the past few years, Japan's SDF has launched several large-scale military
exercises in the southwest Pacific Ocean. In November 2001, Japan conducted
its largest-ever joint exercise with the United States.
****
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