Japan’s parliament recently reinterpreted its constitution. This reinterpretation passed into law a security bill which allows Japan’s military to aid its allies in overseas combat. This is a major shift in Japan’s security after seven decades of pacifism. Presently, the Japanese military are permitted by the constitution to engage in overseas combat while aiding its allies under siege (Easley et al, 56). This new law has provoked an array of reactions from its northeast Asian neighbours. For instance, China viewed Japan’s newly acquired military stance as potentially hazardous. This is because it ignites the fear of an impending war with China over several islands both countries lay claim. North Korea and South Korea on their part lauded China’s reaction. They viewed Japan’s military aggressiveness as detrimental to regional stability. In light of this, China advised Japan to heed security apprehensions of its neighbours. It warned that Japan was endangering peace in the region.
Although Japan insists that an aggressive military is vital in meeting security concerns, it has faced many challenges in its implementation of this new law. For instance, Japanese citizens have angrily protested the new bill. Japan polls indicate that up to 50% of the country opposes the bill (Easley 61). This has threatened to weaken the country hence emboldening its northeast Asian neighbours. North Korea has further declared hesitation cooperating with japan. This divide has hindered trade between Japan and North Korea while bringing North Korea closer to other trade nations such as China. This has dented Japan’s economy. It is therefore important to ask: in light of these negative reactions, should Japan revert to pacifism?
Works Cited
Easley, Leif-Eric, Tetsuo Kotani, and Aki Mori. "Electing a New Japanese Security Policy?:
Examining Foreign Policy Visions within the Democratic Party of Japan." asia policy
9.1 (2010): 45-66.
