|
The Washington Post reported on Friday that Japan is gradually shifting to the right, acting more confrontationally against its neighbours in the Asia Pacific region than at any time since World War II.
The report said polls suggest Japanese are increasingly concerned about security and dangerous outside threats. The paper said according to the data collected earlier this year, 25 percent think Japan should increase its military strength, compared with 14 percent three years ago and 8 percent in 1991.
That shift is also apparent in the policies of Japanese leaders, including Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, son of a Self-Defense Force member, who has restored the U.S.-Japan security alliance as the “foundation” of Tokyo’s foreign policy.
The report also said that Japan’s interpretation of Article 9 in the country’s constitution is loosening. Article 9 renounces war and promises to never maintain offensive land, sea and air forces.
Japan last year relaxed a long-standing ban on weapons exports. In June, it passed a law permitting military space satellites and other surveillance, which had previously been prohibited. Japan’s Self-Defense Force are also taking part in U.S.-led mine sweeping exercises in the Strait of Hormuz.
中国公众网摘编：GAN JADE |
