Japanese forces to aid U.S. battle

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, OCT. 2. The Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, believes that the participation of his country's troops in a logistical role in support of the American battle against terrorism will not create uncertainty in East Asia.

Mr. Koizumi's remarks come after the Chinese Government expressed concern about Japanese plans to take a more activist role in its cooperation with the United States.

``Japan's stance on the terrorist attacks in the United States is designed to join the framework of international efforts to root out terrorism... therefore, it will not be a factor to make the Asian region uncertain,'' the Prime Minister was quoted as telling the lower House of Parliament in Tokyo today.

Mr. Koizumi, however, made it clear that he was sensitive to concerns expressed by China and other neighbouring countries in relation to Japan's war past.

``Considering the importance of friendly relations with neighbouring countries, including China and South Korea, we have been explaining to Asian nations about our country's stance appropriately,'' he said. ``We have been paying attention to responses from China and South Korea''.

China has been forthright in expressing its concerns about new Japanese proposals. ``In the fight against terrorism, the international community faces a common task... on the other hand... due to historical reasons, it's quite obvious that the role that the Japanese Government can play in the military field is a very sensitive question and should be dealt with in a very prudent manner,'' a Chinese Government spokesman has been quoted as saying.

During a visit to the United States last week, where he met the American President, Mr. George W. Bush, Mr. Koizumi made it clear that Tokyo would do more to aid the battle against terrorism.

He said Japan would participate in providing medical support, assisting refugees and the task of intelligence gathering. The Prime Minister said he was prepared to put personnel of the Self- Defence Forces (SDF) in harm's way.

``It will not be acceptable (for Japan) to insist that the SDF shouldn't go to dangerous places. It will involve activities that may be dangerous but which ordinary people cannot undertake,'' Mr. Koizumi said. ``So, it will be important to gain the public's understanding that we will send the SDF even though SDF members will probably encounter mush hardship.''

While noting that Japan would not back away from utilising all the country had at its disposal to prevent terrorism, the Prime Minister made it clear that the SDF will not use force.

He also stated Japan had no intention to go against the country's pacifist Constitution. ``The issue is about the right to self- defence by the United States and what Japan should do within the framework of international cooperation.''

In a related development, an Asahi Shimbun survey showed that 46 per cent of Japanese respondents opposed plans of the Koizumi Government to send the SDF to provide logistical support to the U.S. military. Forty-two per cent, however, said the SDF should be sent overseas.

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Section  : International
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