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US-Japan Alliance Threatens Security
The US-Japan security alliance has become more influential on security situations in East Asia since the mid-1990s.
The emphasis on this longstanding US-Japan alliance has shifted, no longer limited to safety of Japan but taking on a more aggressive posture in regional affairs.
The 1960 US-Japan security treaty required Japan only to provide bases and equipment to US troops stationed there. But revisions to the treaty in 1997 expanded the scope of Japanese responsibility, adding the reinforcement of US troops to its duties.
Among the peculiar and alarming changes in the guidelines that define the purpose of the US-Japan alliance is a statement that the purpose is to counter military attacks upon Japan and "its surrounding areas."
Japanese officials have hedged on explaining what that ambiguous term includes, leaving Japan some leeway to meddle in its neighbouring countries' affairs.
Japan promises not to provide ammunition to US troops or enter the theatre once war breaks out. But it would transport ammunition and armed personnel for the United States.
The fact is Japan will inevitably be involved in wars if its reinforcement for US armies met a blitz. Moreover, the 1999 Japanese defence white paper said that it would not be against Japan's constitution to make pre-emptive strikes if it has reason to believe other countries are setting out to attack it.
The United States, for its part, aims to establish an East Asian security system under its authority by strengthening its military co-operation with Japan.
It hopes the US-Japan alliance will not only guarantee its political and economic interests in the Asia-Pacific region but also help spread its ideology of ''democracy'' and ''human rights'' and maintain its influences in the region. To this end, the US has a fundamental goal of improving its ability to tackle ''crises'' and ''contingencies.''
Therefore, the US-Japan security alliance is a critical part of the US efforts in Asia.
This truth was reflected in the 1998 East Asia Security Strategy of the United States, a document that stated explicitly that US troops stationed in Asia are vital to the regional military environment.
The US-Japan security alliance is also a key element in the Japanese security strategy. In particular, Japan hopes the alliance can strengthen the ties between the two countries, which have been less solid since the Cold War ended.
Japan believes the alliance will help counterbalance China, a rising power in its neighbourhood.
However, the foundation of the US-Japan security alliance is very fragile.
The collapse of former Soviet Union ended the confrontation between the world's two military powerhouses and vastly improved the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thus, it is an anachronism for the US and Japan to strengthen their military alliance now.
In fact, the alliance has caused opposition by people in the region who worry the alliance will help them meddle in other countries' internal affairs.
The changes in the US-Japan security alliance have been opposed by staff in many of Japan's key sectors, including transportation and communication.
According to Japan's pacific constitution, which was drafted by US forces after the World War II, Japan is not allowed to wage a war.
Though Washington asked Japan to shoulder more responsibility in the alliance, it has vowed not to back Japan if it tries to revise its constitution.
Yet it will be hard for Japan to strike a balance between the US umbrella and independence in diplomatic and military fields, especially under the pressure of rising nationalism at home.
And it will be extremely hard for Japan to choose between keeping a friendly link with China and its military alliance with US if a crisis broke out in the Taiwan Straits.
Yet the new US-Japan security treaty will be a significant element in the Asia-Pacific military framework in the 21st century, and US-Japan alliance will remain the core of Japan's defence system.
The new US-Japan security pact will stimulate other countries to upgrade their military force to maintain regional military balance. That is a change much needed to strengthen supervision over the alliance and prevent regional military conflicts.
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