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MOFA Plans To Push U.S.-Proposed TMD Project

Tokyo SANKEI SHIMBUN
25 Feb 95 Morning Edition p 1

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[FBIS Translated Text] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs [MOFA], in an internal document formulated on 24 February, launched a plan to actively promote the Theater Missile Defense [TMD] project as a major step toward the reconstructing of the Japan-U.S. security framework. Its action comes in response to the "security policy toward East Asia-Pacific region" adopted by the Clinton administration.

MOFA intends to incorporate the plan as a highlight of a joint communique to be issued by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and U.S. President Bill Clinton when he visits Japan to attend an unofficial summit meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation [APEC] in November.

In discussing the Japan-U.S. security framework, the document points out: "As it is difficult for Japan to ensure the nation's security by itself, peace will be maintained under the bilateral security framework"; and "maintaining alliance relations and the smooth operation of the Japan-U.S. security system is also important for the Asia-Pacific region."

Furthermore, it cites six areas to be "examined" when reconstructing the bilateral security framework. These are: The TMD project; exchanges of defense technology; the sharing of the financial burden of U.S. Forces in Japan; the reorganization and consolidation of U.S. military bases on Okinawa; U.S. military exercises; and the agreement on financing commodities and services [buppin ekimu yutsu kyotei].

The document especially emphasizes the U.S.-advocated TMD -- a defense system to protect allies and friendly nations from intermediate range ballistic missile attack by using military satellites -- as an "important project in conducting smooth and effective operation of the Japan-U.S. security system."

However, the TMD project has no specific outline. Therefore, the document notes "the need to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations through mutual exchanges of defense technology to ensure effective operation of the Japan-U.S. security system." In this way, it clearly indicates MOFA's positive stance on promoting the TMD project.

Meanwhile, the document also stresses the importance of firmly maintaining the current policy to share the expenses for U.S. Forces in Japan, saying: "The government will handle the issue in an appropriate manner." Regarding the downsizing of U.S. military bases on Okinawa, it says: "We will make efforts to achieve progress while seeing to it they are in harmony with carrying out of the purpose of the security treaty."

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