Japan defence debate stirs concern

Sending troops to Iraq has already stretched Japan's constitution

Chinese and South Korean commentators have expressed concern over proposals to amend Japan's constitution and expand the scope of its Self-Defence Force.

One worry is that Japan will re-emerge as a military power. Another is that America will try to expand its influence in the region through its close ties to Tokyo.

In Japan, however, one paper says it believes the controversial proposals have been put forward on purpose to stir debate.

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Japan's abandonment of its peace constitution can only intensify the mistrust that the countries and peoples of Asia have towards Japan, and will certainly harm Japan's own interests in the end.

The Japanese government has stated it will play a role for world peace, but a country which denies its history of aggression, and a country where senior government officials have declared many times that they will carry out "pre-emptive" attacks on "enemy" countries, will only make its neighbours discontent and anxious.

China's Chengdu Shangbao

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A country which refuses to acknowledge its history of past transgressions and a country which goes all out to support a war that violated the United Nations Charter - who would cheer for it?

Commentary in China's Shijie Bao

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If the draft finally becomes a reality, the new constitution will completely change Japan's defence strategy. It will support the sending of troops overseas, which will affect the peace and security of the East Asian region.

Commentary in China's Renmin Wang

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The increase in Japan's military strength will enhance the overall military power of the Japan-US alliance, and will have a disadvantageous influence on our country. China could encounter resistance from Japan over the Taiwan Strait and Spratly Islands issues.

Commentary in China's Fazhi Wanbao

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Japan's changes almost make us dizzy... What is left for Japan is for it to fire guns in reality, which we will soon experience. A revision of the peace constitution, which is the last bulwark against it, is now a matter of time.

Some people in South Korea see America not as a cork in the bottle, preventing Japan's militarization, but rather egging Japan towards militarization. It is clear that only the United States can control Japan.

Commentary in South Korea's Chungang Ilbo

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The most outstanding characteristic [of the amendment proposals] is the clear upgrading of the self-defence forces into a military force.

South Korea's Munhwa Ilbo

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It is highly likely that a change and expansion of the role of the Self-Defence Forces would aggravate the regional situation if the military situation in Northeast Asia turns bad. We watch Japan's moves to revise its constitution with unease.

South Korea's Chungang Ilbo

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Few could raise issue with Japan regaining the status of an "ordinary country". But there are at least two preconditions. First, Tokyo should acknowledge the wartime atrocities committed against its neighbours and express genuine regret. Second, it should only concern itself with its own defence and not interfere in the affairs of others. But Japan's recent actions run squarely counter to this... If military conflict occurs between the two Koreas or between China and Taiwan, and the joint forces of the US and Japan intervene, the results may be too appalling to imagine

Korea's The Korea Times

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The stipulation of these ideas in the new constitution is only reasonable when we take into account changes in the international situation and the security environment that could not have been foreseen at the time the current constitution was enacted.

Japan's The Daily Yomiuri

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Many of the proposals... will likely spark concern, even outrage. But analysts have said one of the reasons for the provocative outline was to stir up debate on constitutional revisions.

Japan's Asahi Shimbun

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