Why Japanese PM Proposes Amending Constitution Now

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, September 02, 2003

Why Japanese PM Proposes Amending Constitution Now

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Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secretary Yamazaki Taku discussed on the evening of August 25 the amending of the Japanese constitution. The Prime Minister said that the amending will be completed before November 15, 2005, the 50th anniversary of the founding of LDP, so as to transform the nation's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) into a formal army.

Why Junichiro Koizumi chose such a moment to strike up again the constitution issue? Analysts point out that this shows Japan's military ambition and, on the other hand, the Prime minister's hope to enhance his chances for another term of office as LDP president.

Japan's military ambition flared up again

Recently the Japanese PM has been bending on expanding the self-defense forces. The nation passed three emergency bills last June to bolster its capability in response to attacks, and in July enacted a law endorsing the dispatch of SDF to Iraq to provide humanitarian aid and rearguard medical and supply assistance to security forces. Now Koizumi proposed the amending of constitution and its timetable. When answering journalists' questions over the nature of SDF, Koizumi retorted sharply "don't you really believe that SDF is an army"? By stressing that SDF is an army Koizumi implies contradictions in the constitutions and the necessity for constitution amendment. This shows Koizumi's ambition to turn SDF into a perfectly justified and true-to-name army.

Preparation for the second term of office

koizumi's another aim is to win the favor of the conservative forces within the LDP, and seek for more votes to support for his second term of office as LDP president.

Koizumi's presidency is nearing to an end in September. Although the general situation is in his favor, opposition forces within LDP didn't remain inert as he expected. To win more support Koizumi linked his timetable for amending constitution with the 50th anniversary of the founding of LDP, which could help him in his battle for a second term.

By PD Online Staff Li Heng

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