Exaltation in Defense

Shinzo Abe Cabinet decided annual white paper of Ministry of Defense on Tuesday. After the decision of reinterpretation of the Constitution of Japan in June, the paper positively appeals extended capability of Japan Self-defense Force. Pacifism, which has been centered in Japan’s defense policy, receded in policy agenda. For its justification, Defense Ministry stressed potential threat from China. The paper proves warmongering tendency of this nation.

The paper, titled Defense of Japan 2014, insisted that Japan is still on the course to achieve world peace. However, concerning overwhelming change in security situation, it stressed necessity of enhancing Japan’s military capability.

The paper has been self-restrictive in interpretation of the Constitution. Defense of Japan 2013, for example, described the relationship between defense policy and the constitution that “the Japanese Government believes that the exercise of the right of collective self-defense exceeds the minimum necessary level of self-defense authorized under Article 9 of the Constitution and is not permissible.”

Making clear contrast, the paper this year understands the right to be permissible. “It has a historical significance in further ensuring the peace and security of Japan through enhancing the deterrence and making more proactive contributions to the peace and stability of the region and the international community,” says the paper.

The reason is as unclear as in the discussion between leading parties. It is all in all because security situation around Japan has greatly changed. On China, the paper warned its activities, saying “China has adopted so-called assertive measures, including attempts to alter the status quo by coercive measures based on China’s own assertion which is incompatible with the existing international law and order.” Development of nuclear weapons and missiles in North Korea is regarded as “a serious and imminent threat to the security of Japan.”

In spite of absence of discussion in the Diet, the paper firmly included collective self-defense right in its security policy. Unless legislations are passed through both Houses, the policy will not be implemented. While the coalition by Liberal Democratic Party and new Komeito possesses overwhelming majority in both Houses, most people in Japan are skeptical on that historical shift, questioning “Are we really need to that now?” That is the very reason why the administration is not fundamentally democratic. It is the people who need to be careful of their own rights.