Japan and the changes on the regional security chessboard

(Baonghean) - On May 14, Japan's ruling coalition, consisting of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party, submitted to the National Assembly a draft of the new Security Law. This information attracted the attention of the international community, with questions raised about the direct impacts of the new law on regional security. Nghe An Newspaper had a conversation with Major General, Associate Professor, Dr. Le Van Cuong - Former Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Public Security on this issue.

PV:Dear Major General, the military has always been considered Japan's "Achilles' heel", not because of its weak potential but because of historical reasons. Could you please give us an overview of Japan's security policy since 1945?

Japanese Parliament. Source Kyodo - VNA

Major General Le Van Cuong:Mentioning Japan's security policy is mentioning the 1946 Peace Constitution. During the World War II, Japan was on the fascist side and was defeated by the Soviet Union and the Allies. The crimes of the Japanese fascists left a deep mark in the history of East Asian countries. To prevent the return of Japanese militarism, the international community agreed to establish the 1946 Peace Constitution.

Article 9 of the Constitution stipulates that: The Japanese people forever renounce war and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. Accordingly, land, air, naval and other military capabilities will not be maintained. Japan's right to declare war and to go to war is stripped by the international community.

Of course, the development of Japan's security policy was not limited to such absolute limits, but maintained in the period 1945 - 1950. In 1950, Japan established the Reserve Police Force. In 1952, the Security Bureau was established, as an agency under the Prime Minister's office, responsible for maintaining security and order and fighting foreign invasion.

In 1954, the Security Bureau was changed to the Defense Bureau, which built up a domestic security force and established an alliance with the United States through the US-Japan Bilateral Agreement. During the Gulf War in the 1990s, Japan decided to send its defense forces to fight, under the strict constraints of regulations, but it also marked an important milestone in security policy since World War II.

In 2001, Japan passed a special law to prevent terrorism, allowing Japanese naval vessels to support the US in the Pacific. In 2003, the US allowed Japan to send troops to fight in Iraq.

In 2007, the Defense Agency changed its name to the Ministry of Defense. In 2009, Japan issued an order for maritime patrols. Notably, on July 1, 2014, the Shinzo Abe administration reached a consensus, allowing the amendment of Article 9 of the Peace Constitution, allowing Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense. By May 14, a new page had truly opened in Japan's security policy.

PV:Could you tell us the specific content of the two new laws in the draft Security Law that Japan's ruling coalition submitted to the National Assembly on May 14?

Major General Le Van Cuong:This draft of the new Security Law is based on two bills. They are: the Peace and Security Law and the International Peace Support Law. In addition, the Japanese National Assembly will review and amend more than 10 existing laws to be compatible with the new Security Law. Basically, there are two main and notable new contents. First, giving the Japan Self-Defense Forces more powers, equivalent to the Ministry of Defense and a complete military force like any other country. Second, allowing the expansion of the scope of operations of the Japanese military.

This is the most important change, because remember that since 1945, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces have only had the right to defend and stay within Japanese territory. If the new Bill is passed, the Japanese military will have the right to participate in combat operations abroad.

Thus, this new Bill will expand the scope of operations in both space and features, and powers. Japan will truly become a military ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region. The new missions of the Japanese military can be listed as: Protecting US warships or allied ships in case of attack by a third country near Japanese waters; The Navy is allowed to stop ships for inspection if suspected of transporting weapons to a third country to serve the attack on Japan or allied forces near Japan; The Japanese military has the right to shoot down missiles flying over Japanese islands aimed at US territory or US military bases; protecting peacekeeping forces abroad and Japanese citizens, citizens of other countries; screening bombs in the Middle East under the leadership of the United Nations; participating in the US missile defense system in the region and globally; participating in the cyber security war; participate in ensuring maritime and aviation security in the Far East - West Pacific region and areas of interest to Japan and its allies.

PV:Dear Major General, why did Japan choose this time to introduce the Draft of the New Security Law?

Major General Le Van Cuong:It is not by chance that they submitted the Bill at this time, because security has always been a sensitive issue for Japan. But based on the situation at home and abroad, perhaps this is the most favorable time. At home, the people are basically supportive. Outside the country, there are two reasons: first, the relationship with the US has never been better, and second, the rise of China as a threat to regional and international security.

The current context is different from that of the 40s, 50s, and 60s of the last century. The threat of militarism and fascism has gradually faded from the subconscious of the international community, thanks to the medicine of time. Japan today is no longer a potential threat to peace and security in general, but the regional and international community may even need Japan to contribute to protecting peace. That is the request placed on Japan, but also the aspiration of this country, when the security and interests of the Japanese people themselves are at risk of being threatened.

PV:How does the international community react to this information, Major General?

Major General Le Van Cuong:First of all, the US, it is not surprising that the US supports Japan's new Law. This is completely predictable through the two sides signing a commitment to adjust the Bilateral Defense Cooperation during the Japanese Prime Minister's 7-day visit to the US. In which, new cooperation methods are added, or more clearly, the US "gives the green light" for Japan to expand its scope of activities in all fields, including security, outside its territory. The purpose is for Japan to be able to fully fulfill its obligations and responsibilities as an important ally of the US in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the region, some countries have expressed their attitudes towards this information, such as South Korea and China. While the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman "gently" reminded Japan and the international community not to forget the lessons of history, South Korea declared that any change in Tokyo's policy must not affect security, regional peace and national interests of South Korea. Some countries have not made official statements, but that does not mean they oppose it. I also think that most countries in the region agree, but for sensitive reasons they remain silent.

PV:According to the Major General, if Japan's new security law is passed, what impact will it have on regional security?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Of course, no one can be sure of anything. Because a change in security policy, although normal in the development of a country, there are many external factors that can interact. There are also people who are skeptical about whether Japan will stop at the limit to protect peace, national and regional security or will have moves that threaten the common peace. I think that possibility is very unlikely. However, a conceivable scenario is that China or some other actors will have moves to react, this is the risk that affects regional and international peace. I myself believe that if Japan's role in regional security is increased, it will be good news for the Asia-Pacific community. At the same time, it will not negatively affect the interests of our Vietnam.

PV:Thank you, Major General, for the chat!

Thuc Anh