Japan votes to create defence ministry

[Neo]

Friday, December 01, 2006

Japan votes to create defence ministry

TOKYO: Japan’s lower house of parliament on Thursday passed a bill to create a cabinet-level defence ministry for the first time since World War II.

Since its defeat, Japan has had a “Defence Agency” with lower standing than full-fledged ministries as the US-imposed 1947 constitution declared the country to be pacifist. The reform would give the Defence Agency Director-General Fumio Kyuma the title of defence minister, although Japanese troops would still be called the “Self-Defence Forces.”

The bill overwhelmingly passed the lower house with support of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s coalition as well as the largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan.

“This is good because Japan should carry out its role in the international community with a ministry,” said Hidenao Nakagawa, secretary general of Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party. Foreign minister said Japan had the ability to produce nuclear weapons but chooses not to. “We have the technology to develop nuclear weapons,” Taro Aso told a parliamentary committee. AFP

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\12\01\story_1-12-2006_pg4_9

 

[Neo]

So what does it mean for regional and world politics?
Will Japan rise again?

Lets evaluate Japan's potential here.

 

[Neo]

Imho Japan's direct concerns are growing Chinese military presence in South China Sea and to lesser account North Korean nuclear ambition.

North Korea can and will be dealt with in times but China becoming the next Super Power will have far going consequences for Japan.

Should Japan go nuclear instead of staying under American nuclear umbrella?

 

[Adux]

Neo,

I believe they wont have a nuclear aresnal, is its just a feeling, public outcry would be huge for them, at the same time dont think the americans will be need or be happy to see a nuclear Japan.

Reality as it stands today, Japan is more powerful than china in the naval front already, if the the vote goes thru, Chinese are going to feel the heat from US, Japan and India, that is a formiddable trio there.

Adu

 

[Contrarian]

Oh yeah totally, Japan is mainly concerned with China.North Korea is no big deal, but they have to prepare to tackle China now. If they start now they can have better military than China. They have a f*king huge economy and the best home grown technology.

And i think they are doing a very right move. Its the first step. Small steps slowly and they start building proper armies in the JSDF.

I dont think Japan needs nukes, US has enough of them, if Japan has war against any country, then US has war against that country. The US infact has wanted Japan to slowly start having a military so that rather than being Japan being dependent on US for its military needs, it becomes a valuable ally to the US. I think its a very correct move.

They have the money to build an army and AF.

Do you know, the US wants to position some of its F-22 Raptors in Japan. They want to sell the F-22 to Japan, so that they are there permanently. This speaks volumes. Japan already have a huge and 2nd best navy in the world. Japan wont get nukes, but everything else. You can see the signs slowly but steadily.

I think its v.good news for India specially.