Japan Mulls Security Reform, Prompting Chinese Anger -- Voice of America
TOKYO — Japan’s government says it plans to allow its self-defense forces to play a greater role in global security. Currently Japan's ‘pacifist’ constitution, written under American supervision after World War II, allows the country's armed forces to be used only for defensive purposes to preserve national security. Tokyo's current plans have prompted anger in China, however, which is engaged in a heated territorial dispute with Japan.
On Friday under the glare of the media, a group of more than 100 Japanese lawmakers visited Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine, which honors Japan’s war dead, including several convicted war criminals.
The visit prompted anger in China. Hua Chunying, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "once again China urges Japan to abide by its commitment and promise to deeply examine history and take real measures to win the trust of Asian neighbors and the international community."
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Update: Why Japan Wants to Break Free of Its Pacifist Past -- Kirk Spitzer, Time
My Comment: I am surprised that it has taken Japan this long to have this debate. My prediction .... Japan is going to be significantly change it's national security policies within the next few years.
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