DATE=7/28/1999
TYPE=NEWS ANALYSIS
TITLE=JAPAN DEFENSE ANALYSIS
NUMBER=2-252231
BYLINE=JIM RANDLE
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A new report from the government in Tokyo says
Japan has the right to defend itself, even if it has
to launch a first strike to prevent an attack on the
island nation. The annual government White Paper on
national defense reflects growing concern in Japan
about North Korean efforts to build nuclear weapons
and the missiles to deliver them. V-O-A's Jim Randle
reports from Tokyo.
TEXT: North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile
across Japan last year, and intelligence reports that
Pyongyang may be preparing to fire a more powerful
weapon in the next weeks or months, have changed the
political debate in Tokyo over military issues.
Japan invaded many of its neighbors in World War Two
and shied away from building or using strong military
forces in the fifty years since its defeat. Japan's
pacifist constitution bars it from offensive military
action.
The report, however, said a pre-emptive military
strike would not be unconstitutional if Japan had
reason to believe an attack is likely. While the
report says Japan would have the legal right to launch
a pre-emptive strike, it questions the nation's
capacity to carry one out.
The report suggests Japan buy more advanced military
hardware, including aerial refueling tankers to extend
the reach of Japanese warplanes. It also urges
investment in satellites for intelligence gathering.
The perception here that North Korea poses a real and
growing threat to Japan has also prompted the Tokyo
government to strengthen military ties with the United
States, and to move toward an agreement to boost
investment in joint research on defenses against
ballistic missiles.
The report follows a parliamentary vote last May to
allow Japanese forces to provide greater assistance to
American troops in Asia and give the United States
greater access to air fields and seaports here.
Japanese journalists, with long experience covering
military affairs here, say the report is designed to
generate a belief in the Japanese public that more
money is needed for defense, and as a warning to North
Korea to leave Japan alone.
The report also cites concerns about the growing
number of Chinese naval vessels in waters close to
Japan on what may be intelligence missions.
The report stops short of saying Japan faces a
military threat, but makes it clear there is growing
tension between Japan and some of its neighbors.
The government white paper has drawn criticism from
the Liberal Asahi newspaper for using the missile
threat as an excuse to make a major and ill-advised
change in military policy. (signed)
Neb/jr/jo/plm
28-Jul-1999 02:55 AM LOC (28-Jul-1999 0655 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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