Golden anniversary — opportunity to strengthen Japan-U.S. ties
(From The Japan Times Jan. 21 issue)

日米安保50周年、ゆるぎない同盟を

Japan and the United States on Jan. 19 marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-U.S. security treaty. Under the treaty the United States and Japan are to act jointly in defending against an attack on Japanese territory or on U.S. bases in Japan.

The signing of the treaty in 1960 met strong opposition from those who feared it would increase the possibility of Japan's involvement in war. Despite initial opposition and changes in the international environment since then, notably including the end of the Cold War, the security treaty has survived. In 1996, Japan and the United States declared that the role of the security setup had expanded to securing peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

In separate statements, U.S. President Barack Obama said the United States' "commitment to Japan is unshakable" and Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama characterized the presence of U.S. forces in Japan as a "public good" that creates a "strong sense of security for the countries in the (Asia-Pacific) region."

Although the military threat from the Soviet Union is over, the security environment surrounding Japan remains difficult. Japan and the United States must work to enhance cooperative relations with China, which is engaged in a massive military buildup. North Korea has obtained nuclear weapons and possesses many missiles. It is important that as Japan and the United States strive to maintain and improve their deterrent capabilities, both nations refrain from behavior that could create the perception that a rift exists between them.

In making its security efforts, Japan must stick to its war-renouncing Constitution — under which Japan refrains from using military force to solve international disputes and from sending troops overseas for combat — and to its defense-only principle. Both commitments have contributed to strengthening neighboring countries' trust in Japan.

Japan and the United States also should use the security treaty's anniversary as an opportunity to strengthen their cooperation on such matters as climate change, nuclear disarmament, energy, and the fight against poverty and infectious diseases.

日本の領域や在日米軍基地への攻撃に対して日米で防衛することを記した現行日米安全保障条約が調印50周年を迎えた。1996年に日米は、その役割がアジア太平洋地域の平和と安全の確保へと広がったと宣言した。

ソ連の軍事的脅威はなくなったが、中国の軍備増強、北朝鮮の核保有など、日本を取り巻く安保環境は複雑だ。日米は抑止力を強化する一方、双方の食い違いを見せるような行動は避けるべきだ。日本は近隣諸国の信頼を得てきた憲法９条と専守防衛の原則を守らねばならない。

50周年を機に日米は気候変動、核放棄、エネルギー、貧困や伝染病などの問題解決における協力関係を強化すべきだ。