Japan

Although Shinzo Abe is aggressively pushing for revising the Constitution, the LDP’s ally, New Komeito, remains opposed to the idea arguing that it will change the nature and duties of Japan’s defence force.

• Shamshad A. Khan
• December 26, 2012
• Issue Brief

Rebuilding Japan’s foreign policy will be another challenge for the Abe Administration, especially in view of the rising tension between Japan and its neighbouring states - China and South Korea – over territorial disputes.

• Pranamita Baruah
• December 20, 2012
• IDSA Comments

With China increasingly wary of the developments taking place on its Pacific seaboard, it would perhaps be in a much better frame of mind to listen to Indian concerns.

• R. S. Kalha
• December 19, 2012
• IDSA Comments

Like in the 2011 edition of the Defence White Paper, this year too, the report warns that China’s military movements are “a matter of concern” for the Asian region and the international community, and “should require prudent analysis.”

• Pranamita Baruah
• August 09, 2012
• IDSA Comments

Even though both the national and metropolitan governments might eventually decide to come to an agreement, the possible repercussions on Japan’s bilateral relations with China and Taiwan might still create serious hurdles in proceeding with the nationalization plan for the Senkakus.

• Pranamita Baruah
• July 18, 2012
• IDSA Comments

Japan’s amendment of its atomic energy law with the inclusion of a “national security” clause is being viewed within the country as a ploy to pave the way for the acquisition of nuclear weapons.

• Shamshad A. Khan
• July 11, 2012
• IDSA Comments

While the Japanese government is facing pressure from the Tokyo Metropolitan government, Ishigaki municipal assembly and the main opposition LDP to nationalise the Senkaku Islands, a section of Japanese people have been asking it not to provoke China.

• Shamshad A. Khan
• June 08, 2012
• IDSA Comments

The massive earthquake and tsunami which triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis on March 11, 2011 has shattered the Japanese people’s faith in the safety of nuclear power generation.

• Shamshad A. Khan
• March 22, 2012
• Issue Brief

The March 2011 triple disaster in Japan obligated a response from the US, its long-time ally. The US disaster assistance to Japan went beyond the customary nature of the countries’ relationship, and was conspicuous for the scale of military involvement that was embedded in the US-Japan alliance. The success of the US asistance programme Operation Tomodachi is attributed to interoperability between the defence forces of the two allies.

• Preeti Nalwa
• January 2012
• Journal of Defence Studies

Introduction

• Rajaram Panda
• January 2012
• Journal of Defence Studies