Japan seeks to scrap law that bans it from having an army

There has been talk about this for several years.

Japan’s ruling party unveiled plans yesterday to revise its constitutional commitment to pacifism and allow the country to establish armed forces “for self defence”. The proposals would end Japan’s renunciation of the right to maintain an army, as enshrined in the constitution imposed by America after the Second World War.

The new draft keeps the commitment to peace but recognises the military as crucial to maintaining it. It says: “In order to secure peace and the independence of our country as well as the security of the state and the people, military forces for self-defence shall be maintained. In addition, the defence forces can take part in efforts to maintain international peace and security under international co-operation.”

Of course, there is some kvetching from some others in Asia, notably China and S.Korea, who were on the negative end of the “Greater-East Asia Co-prosperity Sphere” of WW-II. If France, et al in Europe can deal with a remilitarized Deutschland, they should be able to deal with a fully functional Nippon.

Besides, in China’s case, maybe it’s a good thing for another independent Asian power to be on the scene. This is not a bad thing from the US point of view!