Tokyo Report: Govt Begins Studies for Defense Outline

Tokyo, March 15 (Jiji Press)--The government has kicked off studies
at a panel of experts to draw up a basic defense program for Japan for the
first time since 2004.
"Deliberations will center on recent notable changes related to the
security environment," Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told the panel's first
meeting on Feb. 18.
"A focal point is how Japan should respond to the modernization of
military power in neighboring countries, such as North Korea's missile and
nuclear programs," he said.
Hatoyama's remarks also reflect Japan's growing concern about
China's rapid military buildup, although he did not specify this, as Beijing
has carried out double-digit increases in its defense outlays for 21 years
in a row, analysts said.
The prime minister called for the panel to conduct "taboo-free"
discussions from medium- and long-term perspectives.
The coming defense program will draw keen attention as it will set
the course for Japan's national defense under the new government led by the
Democratic Party of Japan, which took power after last summer's general
election.
Many lawmakers in the DPJ stress that the Japanese Self-Defense
Forces should play a greater role in peacekeeping operations organized by
the United Nations.
Among the key issues the panel is expected to discuss is whether to
change Japan's "five principles of participation in U.N. peacekeeping
operations," such as the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement between warring
parties and acceptance of peacekeepers by the parties.
As for the nation's "three principles" that effectively ban all
arms exports, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa emphasizes the need for a
review in order to share huge development costs, as foreign countries,
especially the United States and European nations, are actively engaged in
joint programs to develop state-of-the-art jet fighters and other weapons.
The panel may also discuss whether the constitutional
interpretation of Japan's right to collective self-defense should be changed
in the face of advances in North Korea's nuclear and missile development
programs.
Under the government's interpretation of the war-renouncing
constitution, Japan is banned from exercising the right to collective
self-defense, or coming to the aid of an ally under attack.
Many experts are concerned that Japan is not allowed to intercept a
North Korean ballistic missile headed to the United States under the
government's current interpretation.
With the panel expected to compile a report this summer, the
government plans to work out a new basic defense program by the end of this
year.
But the work may not go as planned, because the Social Democratic
Party, a junior member of the DPJ-led ruling coalition, is vehemently
opposed to likely changes in Japan's basic defense posture.
As long as the SDP is in the coalition, "there is no way of
realizing a review of (Japan's) security policy," a government official
said.