SHOULD JAPAN TAKE ON A MORE SIGNIFICANT SECURITY ROLE IN THE ASIA REGION?

COVER SHEET FOR 2019AIS: THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF JAPANESE SOCIETY.

ESSAY TOPIC: SHOULD JAPAN TAKE ON A MORE SIGNIFICANT SECURITY ROLE IN THE ASIA REGION?

JAPANS INVOLVEMENT IN THE WAR ON IRAQ, THEIR GROWING CONCERNS AND THE NEED FOR AN INCREASED SECURITY ROLE IN THE ASIA REGION.

Japanese security has become an issue of increasing importance since the internationalization of Japan. The Japanese have always regarded their culture as sacred and worth protecting with their lives.

At this time in history Japan has new enemies, which come in the form of Muslim extremists who call themselves Alkida. These extremists can be perceived as terrorists or freedom fighters; after all one man’s terrorist is another mans freedom fighter. Although the United States of America leads the war on terrorism in Iraq, Japan’s president Mr. Junichiro Koizumi supports this war only to a certain extent due to fears of terrorist attacks in Japan. But the strong Japanese-American alliance since the Second World War still remains intact.

“The U.S-Japan alliance is indispensable for ensuring the security of Japan and continues to play a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region” (na [2], www.mofa.go.jp).

“The alliance serves as a political basis for wide-ranging bilateral cooperation, including efforts to build a more stable international security environment” ” (na [2], www.mofa.go.jp).

“Although the cold war has ended, the potential for instability and uncertainty persists in the Asia-Pacific region” (na [2], ).

“ Accordingly, the maintenance of people and stability in this region has assumed greater importance for the security of Japan” (na [2], www.mofa.go.jp).

“Recently there has been talks about the killing of two Japanese diplomats where Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda stated “It seems highly likely the two men were killed in a terrorist attack” (ABC radio, 2003).

“Katsuhiko Oku and Masamori Inoue were both Japanese diplomats” (ABC radio, 2003). “While traveling to an aid conference in Northern Iraq, they stopped at a roadside food stall and were repeatedly shot with small caliber weapons” (ABC radio, 2003).

Foreign Minister Yorkawaguchi states “the two diplomats were working day and night for reconstruction of Iraq” (ABC radio, 2003).

“The killing of the two diplomats has placed enormous pressure on the Japanese Government to abandon sending troops to Iraq, with a majority of the Japanese public already against the idea after earlier killings of foreign soldiers” (ABC radio, 2003).

In response to this Japanese Prime minister Junichiro Koizumi states, “Japan, as a member of the international community should not yield to terrorism” (ABC radio, 2003). “We have a responsibility to provide humanitarian reconstruction aid in Iraq” (ABC radio, 2003).

“We have been put to the test to show with action, not just words, our commitment both to the Japan-US alliance and international co-operation, Koizumi said” (China Daily, 2003, p.12).

Although Japan is taking a stand and supporting the U.S with their war on Iraq they have to realize that Japanese troops in Iraq will definitely be a target for terrorists and anti-western freedom fighters. This is because Japanese troops although well armed will not be in Iraq to fight, “They are going to help in humanitarian and reconstruction activities, Koizumi told a televised news conference” (China Daily, 2003, p.12).

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“ A law allowing troops to be sent to help rebuild Iraq was enacted in July, but specifies that they be sent only to non-combat zones” (China Daily, 2003, p.12).

Although Japanese troops could be easier targets the role they play in Iraq is still very important “we must avoid at all costs allowing Iraq to become a sanctuary of terrorism after our efforts in Afghanistan” (na [3], www.infojapan.org).

“Japan welcomes the adoption of a new constitution for Afghanistan through democratic processes” (na [3], www.infojapan.org).

Japan is now in danger of being attacked by terrorists, due ...

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“ A law allowing troops to be sent to help rebuild Iraq was enacted in July, but specifies that they be sent only to non-combat zones” (China Daily, 2003, p.12).

“Japan welcomes the adoption of a new constitution for Afghanistan through democratic processes” (na [3], www.infojapan.org).

Japan is now in danger of being attacked by terrorists, due to their involvement in the war against terrorism in Iraq and the Middle East plus there close bonding with the U.S. This is explained further by the China Daily newspaper in the following quote, “many Japanese also fear there could be terrorist attacks at home following reported threats by Al-quida to strike at the heart of Tokyo if Japan sends troops to Iraq” (China Daily, 2003, p.12).

Like other countries the safety of citizens cannot be guaranteed by the government.

Therefore Japan should now take on a more significant security role in the Asia region due to their ties with the U.S government, their troops in Iraq and the risk of terrorist attacks on Japan plus neighboring countries which would cause mayhem and great loss of life in Japan and Asia alike.

Furthermore Japan’s security should be tightened up due to the high amount of nuclear energy plants, which are “the main means of electricity production in Japan” (Low, M, 1999, pp.77). Furthermore “about one-third of the country’s electricity is now produced by nuclear power stations” (Low, M, 1999, pp.77).

Therefore if an attack from terrorists groups in the form of a bomb being placed near one or several nuclear reactor’s occurred in Japan, then the entire country and parts of the Asia pacific could be destroyed or affected from radiation levels and the same could be said of Korea. This situation could also start the next major war resulting in many deaths. Also Japan’s oil levels may be cut off from the Middle East resulting in an oil crisis in Japan due to their high reliance on oil based energy and fuels. Also marine life and food levels from the sea would be deemed toxic for a long time, resulting in people being poisoned, food production problems and seafood prices rising. So for the above reasons I believe Japan should take on a more significant security role in the Asia region, emphasizing their focus on monitoring security of nearby countries to create a barrier of protection around Japan. This barrier will enable Japan and nearby Asian countries to act quickly on any perceived terrorist threats, which in turn will hopefully stop threats and result in the capture of terrorists before they enter Japan.

Having knowledge of possible Alkida members or any other possible terrorists entering Japan would be of great service in preventing entry to Japan and neighboring countries, thereby preventing possible damage and bloodshed.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ALKIDA TERROIST RECRUTMENT, ILLEGAL MOVEMENTS OF TERRORISTS THROUGH COUNTRIES AND THE INCREASING NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE AND INVESTIGATION INTO THESE GROUPS AND CULTURES.

Knowledge of terrorist movements and strategies is vital to Asia’s safety.

One T.V documentary I watched on SBS at the end of the year 2003 talked of U.S and Asia’s knowledge that Asia is a haven for Alkida terrorists. An example of how terrorists conduct entry into countries was given, E.g.: they stop in Thailand after crossing the Malaysian border illegally with fake identity made in Malaysia or another country, then hold meeting’s in Bangkok, and from there fly to which ever region they want to terrorize. This is an easy way for terrorists to get around due to Asia being accessible to anyone who has money and connections. Although due to recent intelligence updates Asia now has a list of know or possible people who are connected to Alkida extremists which means when these people are identified at airports they will be detained for questioning, jailed or sent back to their know country of origin. I believe this method of identifying a threat to be essential and every country should adopt it in order to prevent terrorists or other possible threats entering countries in Asia, Japan and the rest of the world.

Lastly terrorist knowledge and investigation is becoming extremely important in regard to terrorist attacks due to Alkida recruiting unknown and innocent people that can’t be identified without intelligence information. The recruitment is usually through their Muslim schools throughout Asia, which are funded by rich Muslims, and oil sheiks throughout Iraq and the Middle East in general. These schools are perceived as harmless on the outside, yet students are taught anti U.S sediments plus war tactics while being awarded and praised for it. Also schools are used to recruit new members of Alkida. At this point in time nothing can be done about these schools due to discrimination and protection laws and because no locals want to say anything due to the fact that these schools are providing poor Asian families with free education in the reading, writing, speaking and Muslim religion areas.

JAPAN’S INCREASING SECURITY ROLES IN JAPAN AND ASIA.

Japan and Asia also need to address “the ever-increasing probability that terrorists will utilize the latest scientific technology to carry out their attacks” (na [4], ). In regard to technology Japan is helping Indonesia by “ implementing “projects to support its police reform, and in the Philippines Japan has extended grant aid in the area of automatic identification system of a fingerprint” (na [4], ). “Japan will continue to cooperate with the police in the region” (na [4], ).

“It is necessary to enhance immigration controls and maritime patrols” (na [4], www.infojapan.org). “To this end Japan has implemented seminars on immigration control and document examination, and is preparing to provide seven airports including ones in Jakarta and Bali, and three ports including ones in Jakarta and Surabaya, with security equipment for screening persons and containers” (na [4], ). “Moreover, in order to enhance maritime security capabilities, Japan has extended technical cooperation including the dispatch of experts, the reception of coast guard officials in Japan Coast Guard Academy, and the implementation of seminars and training courses” (na [4], ). “In addition, Japan is considering further cooperation including the provision of hardware” (na [4], www.infojapan.org).

Furthermore “Japan is preparing to provide seven airports including ones in Jakarta and Bali, and three ports including ones in Jakarta and Surabaya, with security equipment for screening persons and containers” (na [4], ).

“Japan has included technical cooperation from experts, the reception of coast guard officials in Japan Coast Guard Academy, and the implementation of seminars and training courses” (na [4], ). “This means is Japan is providing support and technical advice through experts to help combat terrorism. Also “Japan is considering the provision of hardware” (na [4], www.infojapan.org).

ANTI-TERROIST GROUPS FORMED IN JAPAN.

A group called G8 has been formed in Japan with the support of the ministry of foreign affairs of Japan. This group “attaches the highest importance to preventing and combating terrorism” (Na [1], ).

This group invites other nations to work with them to combat terrorism and work with the United Nations system. A few of the G8 goals are:

“Enhance abilities to share timely information internationally with law enforcement and to adhere appropriate counterparts, with respect to passengers concerning whom there are specific and serious reasons to consider they may engage in a terrorist act” (Na [1], ).

“Take all possible measures to deny safe havens to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts, or provide safe havens” (Na [1], www.infojapan.org).

“Develop effective measures for obtaining the rapid freezing, seizing and confiscation of assets related to terrorist activities” (Na [1], www.infojapan.org).

“The U.S.-Japan Joint Declaration on Security issued by President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto in April 1996, reconfirmed that the U.S.-Japan security relationship remains the cornerstone for achieving common security objectives, and for maintaining a stable and prosperous environment in the Asia-Pacific region as we enter the twenty-first century” (na [2], www.mofa.go.jp).

“The President and the Prime Minister agreed to initiate a review of the 1978 Guidelines to build upon the close working relationship already established between the United States and Japan” (na [2], www.mofa.go.jp).

The 1978 Guidelines for U.S.-Japan defense to keep working on their close relationship has now been reviewed and the new SDC guidelines approved which supersede the 1978 Guidelines.

“Japan and the countries of Southeast Asia enjoy a close political and economic relationship, and share a common strong concern about the terrorism situation in the region ” (na [4], ).

“A certain degree of results have been achieved in the Southeast Asian region, including the arrest of terrorists, and Japan highly values these efforts being made by the governments in the region” (na [4], ).

CONCLUSION

Now that Japans military is no longer controlled by the emperor Japan has more choice and freedom to get involved in political talks and military actions throughout the world while having to obey their commitments to the U.S.

Recently on ABC radio defense force chief Shigeru Ishiba stated, “before World War Two, our military was controlled by the emperor” (ABC radio, 2004). “The current Self Defense Force is an organization that acts according to the law, and is controlled by democracy and the people” (ABC radio, 2004).

“Junichiro Koizumi wants Japan to play a bigger role on the world stage, and he’s slowly but profoundly reshaping his nation’s defense and foreign policies” (ABC radio, 2004).

“The change reflects Japan’s desire to take a greater role in world affairs” (ABC radio, 2001).

Therefore there is growing involvement of Japan in military issues on a global scale and the Japan-U.S alliance is even more reason for Japan to take on a more significant security role in the Asia region, this military involvement and American association is seen as a threat to terrorists, especially Alkida members who harbor anti-American sediments.

Furthermore in order to prevent acts of terrorism by international terrorist organizations, it is important to promote regional and international cooperation in addition to bilateral cooperation” (na [4], ).

“In the Asia-Pacific region, various measures to combat terrorism are being taken in an international framework, and Japan is making an active contribution to such efforts” (na [4], ).

Lastly Japan’s should act as an important link to preventing terrorism and the rest of Asia should remember that Japan’s increased security role in the Asia region “ensures that terrorists will be brought to justice, regardless of their whereabouts” (na [4], ).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

China Daily 10th Dec. 2003, ‘Japan gives nod to troops for Iraq’, p.12.

China worried by Japan’s military moves 2004, ABC radio, Melbourne, Producer Sue Ahern.

Japan allows defense forces to support America’s campaign 2001, ABC radio, Melbourne, Producer Sue Ahern.

Japan’s Iraq commitment under pressure after diplomat deaths 2003, ABC radio, Melbourne, Producer Sue Ahern.

Low, Morris, ‘Science, technology and society in contemporary Japan’, Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press, 1999, Ch.4, pp.77.

No author [1], The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, ‘G8 Recommendations On Counter-Terrorism’, 2002.

. Accessed 12/03/2004.

No author [2], The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, ‘Joint statement U.S.-Japan security consultative committee completion of the review of the guidelines for U.S.-Japan defense cooperation New York, New York’, Sept 23rd, 1997.

. Accessed 12/03/2004.

No author [3], The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, ‘Statement by H.E Mr. Koichi Haraguchi permanent representative of Japan at the security council meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts’, 12th January, 2004.

. Accessed 12/03/2004.

No author [4], The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, ‘Statement by H.E. Mr. Ichiro Aisawa, Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, JAPAN the Bali Regional Ministerial Meeting on Counter-Terrorism’.

. Accessed 12/03/2004.