10 Years On, Security Laws Boost Japan-U.S. Defense Ties

Tokyo, Sept. 19 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese Self-Defense Forces have been promoting operational integration with the U.S. military over the 10 years since the enactment of Japan’s national security laws. Friday marked the 10th anniversary of the laws, which allow Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense and have helped the SDF expand its activities with like-minded countries. Japan plans to continue to strengthen its defense capabilities, as the security environment surrounding Japan has deteriorated rapidly due to China’s military buildup. “The Japan-U.S. alliance has become stronger than ever before, and our deterrence and response capabilities have improved,” Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a press conference Thursday, underscoring the importance of the security laws. On Sept. 19, 2015, the laws were enacted under the administration of then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe amid a chorus of public opposition, a turning point in Japan’s security policy after World War II. A situation in which Japan’s existence is threatened by an armed attack on a nation with close ties to Japan is defined as a “survival-threatening” situation, paving the way for the country to exercise its right to collective self-defense under certain conditions. Since the legislation was enacted, the SDF and the U.S. military have stepped up operational integration, most notably through SDF missions to protect vessels and aircraft of other nations during peacetime. The SDF has engaged in such activities every year since 2017 for the U.S. military, conducting 140 such missions by fiscal 2024. In 2021, the SDF launched similar operations for Australia, which is considered by Japan as a quasi-ally. In August this year, Britain was added to the list of countries under SDF protection, with Maritime SDF destroyers escorting an aircraft carrier strike group led by the British Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales. “We’ll be able to enhance interoperability and trust with other countries,” a senior Japanese Defense Ministry official said. “By demonstrating that we can work together (with other nations), we’ll be able to keep a close eye on our neighbors.” On the other hand, there are deep-rooted concerns in Japan that a further operational integration with the U.S. and other militaries would increase the risk of Japan being drawn into conflicts abroad. That was “the worst legislation of the century,” Japanese Communist Party head Tomoko Tamura said at a press conference Thursday, adding that its enactment marked a turning point for Japan to become a war-waging country. The military power struggle between the United States and China in the Western Pacific region is tilting in China’s favor. China, Russia and North Korea have also noticeably tightened their cooperation. “The security legislation has become more important in the 10 years (since its enactment),” another senior Defense Ministry official said. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]