Ladies and Gentlemen,

       It is my pleasure and honor to make a speech at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies renowned for its long history and tradition in the United Kingdom. I would like to extend my gratitude to Sir Paul Lever, Rear Admiral Richard Cobbold and staff of the Institute who gave me this opportunity to address this distinguished audience on Japan's defense policy.

      Japan has learned a great deal from the UK, as a modern state. A parliamentary government system under a constitutional monarchy is one of the examples in the area of politics. As a politician, I personally pay my respects to Sir Winston Churchill, who led this country and its people to overcome difficult times during World War II. I repeatedly read his writings throughout my student days, and also visited the Blenheim Palace, his place of birth, and the Cabinet War Room. I am looking forward to visiting the Cabinet War Room again this afternoon, and the recently opened Churchill Museum there.

      In our four centuries of history of Japan-UK relations, the defense relations date back to the Anglo-Japanese alliance concluded in 1902. By then, the system of the balance of power among European countries described as Concert of Europe had reached the eastern end of the Eurasian Continent. Japan had just entered into that new system after two centuries of national isolation. The world received with great surprise, news that the UK, which brought about Pax Britannica, entered into alliance, abandoning her policy of splendid isolation, with a country that just opened its door to the world. However, history witnessed clearly how an alliance that lasted more than 20 years benefited both countries. The victory of Japan in the Russo-Japanese War could not have been possible without the support of the UK, and Japan cooperated with the UK during World War I by dispatching Japanese naval vessels to escort the British cargo boats and fighting against German submarines in the Mediterranean Sea.

      After the end of the alliance, unfortunately and regrettably, our two countries fought against each other during World War II. After the War, however, Japan and the UK, each country being an ally to the United States and belonging to the Western bloc, have developed good bilateral relations in various fields including political, economic and cultural areas. Nevertheless, defense relations between our two countries have been very limited. During the Cold War, Japan participated in consultations on political and security issues as a member of the Western bloc, but the practical cooperation between defense authorities such as joint exercises or exchanges between troops could be conducted only with Japan's ally, the United States.

      The situation has drastically changed after the end of the Cold War, especially after 9.11. Japan and the UK, sharing common views on many imminent security challenges such as the fight against terrorism, reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq and non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and its delivery means, have started to pursue practical cooperation in the international community as symbolically shown in Iraq and the Indian Ocean.  Japan and the UK should cooperate further for peace and stability of the world in the 21 st century. Today, I would like to talk about Japan's defense policy in the new era in order to further promote our cooperative relations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      Before presenting the new defense policy, I would like to briefly touch upon our defense policy to date.

     The Constitution of Japan, often referred to as the Peace Constitution, was promulgated in 1946 just before the beginning of the Cold War. But Japan regained its sovereignty in 1952 during the Korean War, after the Cold War started. Japan's return to the international community was as a member of the Western bloc including the UK and the US, since the Peace Treaty did not cover relations with all the countries, such as Soviet Union and People�ߡ� Republic of China. The Japan-US Security Treaty was concluded at the same time. In the meantime, some security force units were created in Japan in order to maintain Japan's domestic security by filling the vacuum left by the US forces deployed for the Korean War. Then in 1954, the Japan Defense Agency and Self Defense Forces were officially established with the task of national defense. Since then, the defense of Japan has been based on a combination of the Japan-US alliance and Japan's own defense capability. The Constitution recognizes the right of self-defense as an inherent right of a sovereign state, but is interpreted in such a restrictive manner as not to allow the exercise of the right of collective self-defense.

      Japan's basic policy is as follows; Japan has been making efforts on its own initiative to build a modest defense capability under the Constitution. in accordance with the fundamental principles of maintaining exclusively defens e -oriented policy and not becoming a military power that might pose a threat to other countries, while adhering to the civilian control of the military and observing the Three Non-Nuclear Principles, together with firmly maintaining the Japan-US s ecurity arrangement. During the Cold War, the role of the defense capabilities was confined solely to national defense. D uring the Cold War, any armed conflict against Japan did never occur, owing to the deterrent effect of t he Japan-US alliance.  The role of the Self Defense Forces was to provide deterrence together with the US forces under the Japan-US alliance.

      After the Cold War, the international security environment drastically changed. Although the possibility of a global armed conflict has become remote, complex and diverse regional conflicts have taken place against a background such as the emergence of confrontations rooted in religious or ethnic differences. In the vicinity of Japan, there remain elements of uncertainty and unpredictability, such as large-scale military capabilities or tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Consequently, Japan revised its National Defense Program Outline in 1995 in order to cope with these new situations after the Cold War. While national defense continued to be the main role of defense capability, two new roles were added, namely to cope with diverse contingencies such as large-scale natural disasters and to contribute to establishing a more stable international security environment. As for the defense capabilities, it was considered appropriate to streamline them, make them more efficient and compact.

      An event that may be called a turning point for the defense of Japan was the Gulf War in 1991. Japan made a financial contribution of 13 billion dollars, but since Japan could not provide any assistance by sending personnel, the international community did not fully appreciate such contribution.  Recognizing the necessity to make a contribution through concrete actions as a responsible member of the international community, the International Cooperation Law enacted in 1992, added a new mission for the SDF, allowing them to participate in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. Based on t he response to the nuclear crisis caused by North Korea in 1993 and the experiences gained through the SDF activities at the occasion of the huge Earthquake in Kobe and the sarin gas attack in the Tokyo underground in 1995, the idea for SDF to respond more effectively in case of disaster or emergency was also reflected in the new NDPO of 1995.

      The 9.11 terrorist attacks on the US can be described as marking the opening of a new century in terms of security. Today, the international society is faced with new threats and diverse contingencies such as the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and its delivery means, and international terrorist activities. We now recognize that the terrorist activities by non-state actors could be the most imminent threat, especially when coupled with WMD. 

      The government of Japan adopted new National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) in December 2004, taking into account the new situations after the 9.11. The NDPG define the future defense force and specific defense posture to be attained in the next decade. The NDPG point out that the three approaches, namely Japan's own effort, cooperation with an ally and cooperation with the international community, should be combined. I would like to touch upon 4 points for emphasis, while leaving the details to the brochure prepared to you.

      The first point is the perception of the security environment. The international community is faced with the urgent challenge of coping with new threats and diverse contingencies including the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and ballistic missiles, and international terrorist activities. In the vicinity of Japan, massive military capabilities including nuclear arsenals continue to exist. There remain elements of uncertainty and unpredictability such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula and cross-Taiwan Strait relations. The security situation in East Asia is totally different from those in Europe where traditional threats have already disappeared. The development, deployment and proliferation of WMD and ballistic missiles by North Korea, and the modernization of armed forces by China and its expansion of operation at sea are also mentioned in the NDPG.

      The second point is Japan's defense posture. Japan will develop multi-functional, flexible and effective defense forces in order to cope with new threats and diverse contingencies and to participate proactively in international peace cooperation activities. New threats cannot be effectively dealt with under the traditional concept of deterrence as during the Cold War. Therefore, a transformation of defense forces from deterrence-oriented to response-oriented forces should be further pursued. Some of the examples are the enhancement of readiness and mobility such as creation of the Central Readiness Group, and the deployment of ballistic missiles defense systems scheduled for the end of FY.2006. The joint operational posture will start in March of this year.

      The third point is the strengthening of the Japan-US alliance. The Japan-US alliance is indispensable not only for ensuring Japan's security but also for maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently, Japan and the US have been conducting strategic dialogues in order to update the alliance to face today�ߡ� challenges, taking into account such policy changes in both countries as the formulation of new NDPG in Japan and the process of military transformation in the US. February last year, we confirmed common strategic objectives, and last October we indicated the basic concept and the orientation for future cooperation concerning the roles, missions and capabilities of both countries, especially those of the SDF and the US forces. Japan and the US are reviewing the force posture of the US forces in Japan from the standpoint of maintaining the appropriate deterrence and reducing the burden to local communities, especially in Okinawa, in order to ensure the stable foundation of the alliance. Upon reaching final agreement, we are going to implement it steadily and promptly.

       The fourth point is further emphasis on international activities. Japan will proactively engage in international peace cooperation activities. This term is defined in NDPG as "activities that the international community cooperatively undertakes to enhance the international security environment". Japan is aware, more than ever, that the peace, security and prosperity of Japan and those of the region and of the world are interdependent. Based on the idea that world peace is inseparably linked to Japan's peace, Japan will proactively cooperate with the international community. Engaging in international peace cooperation activities has been and is still a secondary mission of the SDF. We are now considering upgrading those tasks to a primary mission of the SDF.

       Let me add here that the basic principles of defense policy remain unchanged. I have already mentioned those principles such as: to maintain an exclusively defense-oriented policy, not to become a military power that might pose a threat to other countries, and so on.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      Now I would like to elaborate on the SDF's participation in international peace cooperation activities, from the viewpoint of promoting cooperation with the international community including the UK.

      The first dispatch of the SDF overseas for the purpose of contributing to international peace and stability took place immediately after the Gulf War in 1991. The SDF conducted mine-sweeping operations in the Persian Gulf. Then, under the International Peace Cooperation Law, the SDF participated in the UN peace-keeping mission in Cambodia in 1992, followed by missions in Mozambique, Golan Heights and Timor Leste. The SDF have accumulated their experiences step by step and in good faith. The SDF's overseas activities have been appreciated by the countries concerned, and in Japan there is growing political support for this type of overseas operation.

     Japan is a disaster-prone country and the SDF are well experienced in disaster relief operations. The SDF have also been participating disaster relief missions abroad. Self-sufficient characteristics and the capability to mobilize with short notice, enable armed forces to play a significant role in disaster relief, especially at the stage immediately after the disaster. Recently, the SDF conducted disaster relief operations, including the transport of materials and provision of medical care, by dispatching contingents of 1,600 personnel after the Major Earthquake and Tsunami in Indian Ocean in December 2004, and 250 personnel after the Earthquake in Pakistan in October 2005. Disaster relief is considered to be an area where it is relatively easy for countries in the Asia-Pacific region to cooperate, despite their sensitivities and various constraints. So this can be an example of the foundation from where we can start building up cooperation.

      Japan Defense Agency hosts the Tokyo Defense Forum every year, in which over 20 countries and the European Union participate and various security issues are discussed. In a session held last June, participants, based on the experience and lessons learned during the Indian Ocean disaster, reached a common recognition on the importance of closer coordination among countries and international organizations concerned or the necessity of information sharing, The UK participated representing the presidency of the EU and made important contributions to the discussion.

      Participation in international peace cooperation activities provides the SDF with new experiences of cooperating with foreign forces. The SDF's humanitarian and reconstruction assistance activities in Iraq are a typical case in which the SDF and the UK forces cooperate closely. The Ground Self Defense Forces dispatched 600 personnel to Samawah in Southern Iraq and, in close cooperation with the Iraqi authorities, have been providing assistance to the Iraqi people, such as the supply of purified water, road improvement works, repairs to schools and provision of medical assistance. The Air SDF are undertaking transportation services to and from Iraq by sending 200 personnel and 3 C-130s to Kuwait. The SDF ' cooperation activities in Iraq have gained support not only from the Iraqi people but also from international community. I myself visited Samawah a month ago. When I visited a school repaired by the SDF, I was very moved to see people in the neighborhood so pleased with the renovated classrooms. In a hospital where the SDF are providing medical assistance, I was informed that the death rate of infants was reduced to one third, compared to those in 2002, before the assistance by the SDF had begun. The SDF are also engaged in activities in the Indian Ocean in support of the fight against terrorism. So far, vessels of the Maritime Self Defense Forces have provided fuel and water to vessels of 11 coalition partners including the UK. In addition, Japan put much emphasis on the Proliferation Security Initiatives (PSI) and the SDF are participating in several exercises under the PSI, including a maritime interdiction exercise for the first time in East Asia which was hosted by Japan 2 years ago.

       We highly value the experience of the United Kingdom in the area of the Peace Cooperation Operations such as its leading role in the formulation of the doctrine of PSO. Japan Defense Agency hosted a PSO Seminar last November with visiting experts of the British Government in which relevant Japanese ministries and agencies participated. We learned a lot from the UK. Peace Support Operation can be one of many promising area where Japan and the UK can cooperate more in the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      So far I talked about Japan's defense policy of today. In conclusion, I would like to touch upon some issues of the future.

      The Constitution of Japan has never been amended, and it had been difficult even to discuss the possibility of its amendment. In 2000, however, research commissions were officially established in both Houses of the Japanese Diet in order to conduct comprehensive research on a wide range of issues concerning the Constitution. Both commissions issued a report last year. As to the exercise of the right of collective self-defense, that is one of the issues of controversy, the report of the Lower House�ߡ� commission says that the opinions were divided into three categories, namely, to allow it, to allow it with certain conditions, and not to allow it. The report of the Upper House�ߡ� commission says that the views were divided as to whether or not to recognize it. The amendment to the Constitution shall require a two- thirds majority in both Houses as well as a majority in national referendum. The issue of the constitutional amendment will be left to the decision of politics. As a Cabinet Minister, I rigidly respect the current Constitution, but at the same time as a politician, I welcome an animated discussion on the amendment to the Constitution. What I can say at this stage is that, even if the Constitution was amended, the principle of faith in peace, deeply rooted among the Japanese, shall never change and that Japan will contribute more to the international peace cooperation activities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

      Finally, I would like to emphasize that the Japan Defense Agency and Self Defense Forces are ready to participate proactively in international peace cooperation activities in a most appropriate manner. I agreed with Minister Ried this morning that Defense cooperation between Japan and the UK, two nations that share the basic values such as freedom and democracy, should be promoted. I am sure that our mutual cooperation will benefit not only ourselves but also the international community as a whole, and that we are expected to take a lead in developing mature democracies.

Thank you.