Security Strategy of Japan?

The administration led by Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, decided to draw out national security strategy by the end of this year. It is mainly to deal with assertive activity of China in East China Sea. Yes, security of Japan has historically been how to deal with China factor for centuries. But, Japan can have no strategy except following world strategy of United States in terms of military affairs. Is it fair to say that Japan is making its own strategy?

Abe has shown positive attitude in reinterpretation of the Constitution to exercise collective self-defense rights, which has been recognized as prohibited by the specialists of Cabinet Legislation Bureau. By appointing new Director General who is positive in reinterpretation, he urges the discussion for reviewing the traditional standpoint on the issue.

Abe insists that Japan-U.S. alliance will end, if a Japanese ship does not retaliate against the enemy, when a U.S. ship cruising alongside is attacked, with restriction of interpretation of the Constitution. Someone who has moderate knowledge about security can understand how this discussion is ridiculous. Firstly, United States does not count on Japan’s retaliation capability when its ship is attacked. It would be U.S. Force to retaliate in such a situation.

Secondly, who is going to attack a U.S. ship? For North Korea, surprising direct attack on U.S. ship means invitation of all-out retaliation on its soil, leading to the end of Kim dynasty. The leaders of the North is not so much stupid as misunderstanding its consequence. China is more careful than the North in escalating the tension in Northeast Asia. Although it makes assertive actions against Japan around Senkaku Islands, China is very restrictive in stimulating U.S. Forces deployed in Asia. Accordingly, it is unlikely for Japan to face such a situation as Abe intensively imagines, and it will not be too late to prepare for that situation after that kind of threat becomes more obvious.

After all, every security strategy of Japan has to be following U.S. strategy. For defense strategy, the government of Japan already has National Defense Program Guidelines. National Security Strategy must be nothing different from that, except naming. Change of naming without any substantial change is Abe’s favorite policy, by the way. Change from Defense Agency to Defense Ministry and establishing National Security Council are his efforts. By making what is called national strategy, Abe will be satisfied with his shape as a strong national leader.