The Prospect of Increased Japanese Military Burdensharing
Abstract
The problem of trade imbalance between the United States and Japan persists, and the voices that demand Japan's greater role in defense burdensharing become more frequent and intense. Congress is again introducing a resolution that requires the president to enter into negotiations with Japan to increase its defense budget from about 1 percent of GNP to 3 percent. Japan, therefore, faces serious challenges. The anticipated economic slowdown in Japan and rising domestic problems will adversely impact Japan's quality of life. Thus, Japan's defense efforts become an even more serious issue by having to continue to rely on the United States to provide security and stability in Northeast Asia. Japan's attempt to increase its share of defense burden faces strong opposition in Japan as well as in other Asian nations. The Japanese, in general, do not perceive the Soviet threat to be real despite the presence of large Soviet forces just off Japan. Additionally, the Japanese argue that any attempt at rearming is prohibited by the Constitution imposed by the United States after World War II. Furthermore, some state that the current level of Japan Self-Defense Forces represents a balance between the dictates of the Constitution and the need to defend Japan against a small-scale attack--any increase in their military capability amounts to rearming. Other Asian nations remain fearful of Japan's rise toward military power and object to any attempt of Japan playing a greater military role in Asia. Negotiating, then, for a much greater role in defense burden-sharing will be difficult.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA192793
Entities
People
- Brian Y. Shiroyama
- Hajime Matsusaki
Organizations
- United States Army War College