Dialogue about defense
(From The Japan Times March 25 issue)

要約
信頼醸成に向けた日中防衛相会談

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada met with his Chinese counterpart Mr. Liang Guanglie in Beijing on March 20, and talked about bilateral issues and the security situation in Northeast Asia. They agreed on some points and disagreed on others. Despite differences on some issues, it is important that both nations prevent miscalculation and misunderstanding through deeper defense dialogue. Mr. Hamada's visit followed then Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's Tokyo visit in August 2008.

Mr. Hamada expressed Japan's apprehension over North Korea's plan to launch a satellite in early April, stressing Japan's stance that the launch violates the October 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution. Japan plans to step up sanctions against the North. Mr. Liang said the best thing is for North Korea not to launch the satellite, adding that he understands Japan's position but that the nations concerned should pursue a cool response.

Touching on China's defense budget, which has seen double-digit growth for 21 consecutive years, Mr. Hamada called on China to disclose the details of the budget, the current situation of the Chinese forces and the goals of the defense buildup. As he said, such disclosure is important to ensure regional peace and stability, and deepen mutual understanding. Regrettably, Mr. Liang brushed aside Japan's concerns and sought to justify the buildup by saying that Chinese equipment is lagging behind that of other nations. Despite this response, Japan on its part should make its defense policy and budget transparent.

Mr. Liang made clear China's plan to build aircraft carriers. Although Mr. Hamada made no particular response, China's possession and deployment of flattops would cause worry among neighboring nations. It is all the more important for China to make its military policy and posture transparent.

Mr. Hamada and Mr. Liang agreed on the exchange of information between Japanese and Chinese ships on anti-piracy missions off Somalia. It is hoped that this and other agreements on defense exchanges will strengthen efforts to build confidence between Japan and China.

浜田防衛相は中国の梁光烈国防相との北京での会談で、二国間関係や北東アジアの安全について話し合った。認識の違いは残るものの、誤算や誤解を防ぐために防衛対話の強化は必要だ。

浜田氏は、北朝鮮の「人工衛星」発射は国連決議違反との日本の立場を説明、日中双方は北への自制を求める考えで一致したが、梁氏は日本の認識は分かるが冷静な対処が必要と語った。

浜田氏は中国国防費の21年連続2桁伸びにも触れ、情報開示を求めた。梁氏は、中国の装備は立ち遅れているとして軍備増強を正当化したが、日本側は防衛政策と防衛費の透明性を向上させなければならない。空母建造計画を表明した中国側は、周辺国の懸念に対し軍事政策と態勢を透明化すべきだ。日中双方はソマリア沖海賊対策に関する情報交換の連携で合意した。両国の信頼醸成が強化されることを願う。