New Foundations for Asian and Pacific Security by Joyce E. Larson

Author:Joyce E. Larson [Larson, Joyce E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: International Relations, Political Science, General
ISBN: 9781351503198
Google: IK00DwAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 6189630
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 1980-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Strengthening the U.S.-Japan Defense System

Japan can contribute indirectly to Asian/Pacific security in an extremely important way by enhancing its own capacity to defend the Japanese islands and surrounding seas. Geopolitically, a secure and stable Japan is indispensable to the security of Northeast Asia and, indeed, the whole Western Pacific. In view of this fact, it is Japan’s duty as a member of the region to prepare and maintain a fully-equipped and-manned national defense structure, within the framework of the U.S.-Japan security system and the concept of self-defense.

It may be the case that—in the absence of a large-scale military conflict between the U.S. and the USSR—no nation will attempt aggression against Japan as long as the “umbrella” of the U.S.- Japan security system is maintained. However, it should not simply be assumed that the security pact will always function automatically, requiring a minimum of effort from Japan. In fact, from a military point of view, the credible and effective functioning of the system may be in doubt unless some improvements are made.

The first requirement is that Japan and the U.S. should reach agreement as soon as possible on the particulars of combined operations for the defense of Japan, as called for in the November 1978 “Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation.” At present, the respective defense departments of the two countries are in the midst of discussing how to implement practically this cooperative agreement. Upon conclusion of the joint study now being conducted by military officials, the two governments should agree upon the responsibilities to be assigned to Japan, and Japan should make the improvements in its defense capabilities necessary to carry out these responsibilities. To maintain and bolster the viability of the Japan-U.S. security system, it will be necessary to strengthen the capabilities of the three components of the SDF, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

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