Daily Times

Japan is under the US’ defense shield because of the Treaty of 1952. The shield successfully worked during the cold war and its importance continued in the post cold war still compelling Japan to maintain the status quo.

The World War II ended with the surrender of Japan. The U.S atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6 and 9 August 1945, respectively brought Japan’s war to an end. The US and other allied powers emerged victorious. By signing the Treaty in 1952, the US occupation of Japan came to an end.

However, Japan still needs the US defense shield due to various reasons. Firstly, Japan and China have a territorial dispute on Senkaku islands. The islands are under the administrative control of Japan but China has also staked a claim.

Furthermore, China has launched various initiatives including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it is an economic corridor aimed at promoting trade between the countries located on and around the route; but it might also increase the Chinese influence at the cost of other countries’ interests. Japan has mainly economic interests in South Asia, but such interests might not remain intact unless political relations are developed with the regional countries. Japan has also political and strategic interests in the region of South Asia. It wants to protect its interests. The alliance with the U.S may help Japan in this regard.

Secondly, Japan feels threatened from North Korea. Its nuclear program and armament is worrisome for Japan. The United States also opposes the nuclear armament on the Korean peninsula, this common cause between the countries necessitates the continuance of Japan and the US Defense arrangement.

Thirdly, Japan is deficient in natural resources, it has to import oil and gas etc from different countries through ships. Peaceful maritime traffic is in the interest of Japan. In case, there is a hindrance in Japan’s operations and its interests are put in jeopardy by any country, then the US shield might be able to protect Japan.

Foruthly, it is said that the presence of the US forces in Japan infuses a sense of security to the countries located in Asia-Pacific region; Russia and China are also situated in the region. Contrary to the past, the relations between the two countries have improved a lot. Both the countries look in the mood to oppose US dominancy. Moreover, the US forces stationed in Okinawa might help defend the Senkaku islands if China attacks.

According to a report, about 47,000 US troops are stationed in Japan, and it pays 50 percent of the US troops costs. It costs the US less to station its forces in Japan than on its own land

Lastly, the pacifist constitution (article 9), promotes the development of forces for the purpose of self defense rather than to stage an attack. Japan’s Self Defense Force is incapable to cater to the requirements of defending it in view of a full fledged attack. The US forces are trained and well equipped and may be in better position to defend Japan. However, it may be kept in view that article 9 has been reinterpreted which probably opens the way for Japan to launch itself as a country which can defend itself.

In the changed regional and global order, it seems that Japan is a critical ally for the US. The former has a defense pact with the latter but it pays heavily. About forty thousand soldiers are stationed in Okinawa for which Japan pays heavily. According to a report, about 47,000 US troops are stationed in Japan, and it pays 50 percent of the US troops costs. It costs the US less to station its forces in Japan than on its own land.

Moreover, Japan’s military budget is more than Germany and India’s and is nearer to Great Britain’s. Japan faces problems mainly with North Korea and China. India has issues with China and Pakistan. Japan  does not aim to become an Asian or a global military power like India. Japan has Self Defence Force whereas India has both defensive and offensive. Also to mention that India is facing internal cessationist movements whereas Japan has no such challenge. If Japan wants to maintain smooth sailing of ships on its supply lines as wanted by India, then why does Japan allocate more funds for the military in comparison to India. If Japan gives up its policy of SDF and withdraws from the U.S defense shield then will it cost more than India for military purposes?

Japan is slowly and gradually moving beyond the self defense arrangement. It might increase its military expenditure, because Japan will have to spend on maintaining its forces, procurement of arms and ammunition as well as keeping US forces on its land. Therefore, Japan might save fifty percent of its military expenditure by not maintaining the US forces on its land.

The writer is an author and has a doctorate in Political Science

Published in Daily Times, October 11^th 2018.