EDITORIAL: Defense policy revisions

The work to revise the National Defense Program Outline, which sets basic guidelines for Japan's national security policy, is shifting into high gear and is scheduled for completion by the year-end.

The current outline was crafted in 2004. This is its first revision since the regime change last year and the first since the Defense Ministry was upgraded from agency status.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his government led by the Democratic Party of Japan have a heavy responsibility in this historically important task. They must deal with the raft of tough challenges facing Japan's defense policy amid a dramatically changed global security situation.

The rise of emerging countries has created a multipolar world, while the prolonged war against terrorism and the economic crisis have undermined American supremacy. Near Japan, China has been expanding its naval activities, while North Korea has repeatedly conducted missile and nuclear tests. Destabilizing factors have been increasing.

Meanwhile, Japan's fiscal health has further deteriorated, making it necessary to subject the defense budget to more rigorous scrutiny than ever before.

A large variety of conditions and restrictions must be taken into account for the new defense program outline. The task will severely test the government's policymaking abilities. Discussions to date appear to reflect a growing chorus of calls for a major shift in defense policy.

In August, an advisory panel to the prime minister released a report rejecting the notion that Japan's defense capabilities should be limited to the minimum needed to counter invasions--the key principle that has underpinned the nation's exclusively defense-oriented policy. The report urges a shift to a defense strategy designed to deal effectively with threats to national security.

The panel also proposed the new concept of "dynamic deterrence," which places more importance on ability to respond quickly and flexibly to security threats than on the size of military units and equipment. It recommended reviewing the three principles that restrict arms exports and enhancing the defense of remote islands around Okinawa.

The DPJ's foreign and security policy research council is also considering proposals to review bans on arms exports and lift bans on joint development of weapons, such as fighter jets, with other countries. The council is expected to soon present the government with its recommendations, including increasing submarine deployment and Ground Self-Defense Force troops in the Kyushu and Okinawa areas.

These proposals carry the risk of leading Japan to stray from its postwar path of pacifism. It would be difficult for such proposals to co-exist with Japan's basic policy principles that the nation should not directly counter security threats nor take actions that intensify international conflict.

Of course, the government should review its defense policy in response to changes in the security environment. But it is crucial that it also carefully and comprehensively weigh the expected benefits and risks before deciding on any major policy change.

It needs to consider, for instance, how Japan's neighbors would respond and whether unnecessary friction to hamper diplomacy would arise. In particular, the question of whether the changes would damage Japan's international stature as a peace-loving nation should be very carefully examined.

It is also essential to clearly define defense policy priorities. A bloated defense budget that finances all kinds of programs and projects regardless of priority is no longer acceptable. Britain and Germany are moving toward deep cuts in defense spending, troops and equipment. Japan should do likewise in reducing Self-Defense Forces troops and reviewing their salaries.

Through the defense policy outline revision process, the DPJ-led government, which has promised policymaking led by politicians, should make its commitment to civilian control clear. Prime Minister Kan must exercise strong leadership on this issue.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 19