A functional defense and more

04年版防衛白書

The annual report gives three reasons for improving or updating the SDF's functions. First, Japan faces new security threats, such as weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles and terrorist attacks. Second, the SDF's international role has increased. The aim is to cooperate in international efforts for peace and stability, such as U.N. peacekeeping operations, counterterrorism campaigns and humanitarian and reconstruction activities. Third, existing defense buildup plans and weapons systems -- which assume conventional, large-scale military attacks on Japan -- need a wholesale review. The report says the possibility of such aggression has "diminished."

During the Cold War, the primary objective was to prepare for a possible "full-scale invasion" by the Soviet Union. Now, emphasis is on how to meet "new threats" and how to promote international cooperation. In the background is the transformation of the post-Cold War international security environment, as evidenced by the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States and North Korea's programs to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.

Last December, the government decided to introduce a missile-defense system designed to destroy incoming missiles before they hit their targets. The report says the system is "suitable for Japan" because it is "purely defensive." The decision, however, is held in doubt for a number of reasons.

Many Japanese question whether such a Star Warslike air-defense network would ensure national security. Experts say destroying hostile missiles in midair is like hitting a bullet with a bullet. There is concern that Japan might be obliged to exercise the right to collective self-defense -- a right that cannot be exercised under the Constitution.

As for international cooperation, standards for SDF participation are not necessarily clear. The report indicates that the SDF's primary duty will be international. Government policy defines its international activities as "auxiliary" to its primary mission of defending the country.

Rules for participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations are more or less established. A key condition is a cease-fire agreement between warring parties. But questions remain about participation in a U.S.-led "coalition of the willing" or a U.N.-endorsed multinational force, such as those in Iraq. The report says only that "high expectations are placed on the SDF's international activities" and that these activities will "lead to the peace and security of Japan."

An opinion poll last month showed that many Japanese were uncertain about the relationship between the nation's declared principle of maintaining a military exclusively for defense and the deployment of the SDF overseas. As many as 75 percent said this principle is "ambiguous."

Regarding the roles to be played by the SDF, an overwhelming majority gave priority to domestic activities, such as "securing national safety," "disaster rescue and relief," and "preserving law and order." Only 9 percent mentioned "peacekeeping operations," followed by "activities such as the troop dispatch to Iraq" and "participation in multinational forces." These findings indicate that a considerable gap exists between public opinion and government policy pertaining to security. That gap, it is hoped, will be narrowed as a result of the reviews under way within the government.

The Defense Agency is studying ways to develop the SDF with a focus on future defense capabilities. The prime minister's advisory panel is discussing a broad range of questions related to defense and security. The government plans to revise the Defense Program Outline by the end of this year.

The issue of how to develop the SDF cannot be separated from the Constitution. A "functional" SDF will be one that does not exceed constitutional constraints on the use of force. To keep it that way, an in-depth national debate is essential.

The Japan Times Weekly
July 24, 2004
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      白書は、自衛隊の機能を見直すべき理由として、（1）大量破壊兵器、弾道ミサイル、テロなどの脅威に対抗する必要、（2）国連平和維持活動、反テロ活動、人道援助・国家再建などの国際活動へ参加する必要、（3）日本に対する通常兵器での大規模侵略の可能性が低くなったことを挙げている。

      自衛隊の役割は新しい脅威に対抗し、国際協力を推進することである。同時多発テロ、北朝鮮の核開発が示すように冷戦後の国際安全保障情勢は大きく変化している。

      白書は、導入が予定されているミサイル防衛システムは専守防衛にふさわしいとしている。しかし専門家によれば、同システムは確実性に欠けるばかりでなく、憲法で禁止されている集団的自衛権の行使につながる可能性もあるという。

      自衛隊による国際協力については、その基準が明確でないが、国連平和維持活動への参加の基準はある程度確立されている。特に重要な基準は、紛争当事者が休戦合意を結んでいるということだ。しかし、米軍主導の「有志連合」、イラクなどの国連多国籍軍への参加については疑問が残る。

      最近の世論調査によれば、回答者の75％が自衛隊の海外派遣後、専守防衛の原則が不明確になったと答えた。自衛隊の役割については、大多数が国家安全確保、災害時の救助・復旧、治安維持を挙げた。平和維持活動やイラク派遣、多国籍軍への参加などを挙げた人は少数だった。

      首相の諮問機関は、防衛、安全保障に関する広い範囲の問題について論議しており、政府は防衛計画大綱を今年末までに改定する。

      自衛隊増強計画と憲法問題は別にできない。「機能する」自衛隊は、戦力行使について憲法の制限を越えてはならない。この問題について国家的議論が必要である。