New law allows Japan to send troops abroad

By Amit Baruah

SINGAPORE, OCT. 29. A Bill, which empowers Japanese Self-Defence Forces (SDF) to provide non-combat assistance to American forces in the ongoing military campaign in Afghanistan, was passed by Parliament in Tokyo today.

The Bill, seen as controversial, made it past the Upper House of Parliament having been approved by the Lower House earlier. The new law allows the Japanese Government to send its armed forces abroad for the first time after World War II. The SDF, if the Government decides, can be used to provide logistics support such as medical services and transportation of supplies. However, the Bill does not permit the SDF from ferrying weapons and ammunition on foreign soil. The new law will be effective for two years. One clause, which requires the Government to obtain parliament's approval within 20 days of the despatch of troops, has come under fire in the Japanese media.

Soon after the Bill was passed, the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, told reporters: ``This completes arrangements for Japan to co-operate with the U.S. and the international community out of its own initiative.''

``The focus of the legislation was on whether we think of the U.S. terrorist incidents in New York and Washington as other people's business or as our own affair,'' the Prime Minister was reported as saying. ``What was being questioned was our basic stance - whether or not we can share the sorrow and anger of the American people,'' Mr. Koizumi stated. ``The Government views the fight against terrorism as a challenge of its own, and with a view to securing the safety of the nation and its people, will take measures based upon this law proactively and of its own initiative, within the framework of international co-operation,'' the Prime Minister said.

The Japanese Government has indicated that it will draw up a ``basic plan'' which will detail the size and activities of SDF personnel that are sent abroad. The intention is to send a fleet of maritime SDF to ferry supplies to the Indian Ocean military base of Diego Garcia. The vessels are likely to carry fuel, food and water to the British island. It remains to be seen whether Japan will also despatch an Aegis destroyer, equipped with sophisticated radar and capable of launching several missiles at one go.

The Japanese Defence Agency chief, Gen. Nakatini, has proposed that the Aegis destroyer be sent to gather information on the war against terrorism. He, however, made it clear that no decision had been taken on whether the Aegis destroyer would be sent or not. ``We will continue to discuss details, including whether to despatch the Aegis destroyer,'' the General said. In an editorial, the Asahi Shimbun has criticised the Koizumi Government for showing ``excessive eagerness'' to send SDF units abroad so as to ensure that the U.S. does not point an ``accusing finger'' at Japan. ``When SDF personnel are likely to be sent for the first time near a combat area in a foreign country, will it be appropriate in a democracy to give the Government a blank cheque to decide the areas of deployment, the scale of operations, and the kinds of task for the personnel?'' the newspaper wanted to know.

``This is not a question of the Government's administrative discretion. It is a serious matter of whether the principle of civilian control of the SDF is observed and whether the Diet is properly functioning. The Bill (since passed) should be revised again in such a way as to make it mandatory for the Government to obtain prior approval (before forces are sent abroad) from the Diet,'' the editorial added.

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Section  : International
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