Statement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary on the New National

(Tentative Unofficial Translation)

November 29, 1995

1. On November 28, by the decision of the Security Council of Japan and of the Cabinet, the Government of Japan adopted the "National Defense Program Outline from FY1996". This replaces the "National Defense Program Outline" formulated in 1976, which adopted the "Concept of Basic and Standard Defense Capability". From now on, work will proceed on a mid-term defense program from FY1996.
   
   
2. Taking the following factors into consideration, the Government of Japan formulated the new Outline: almost 20 years after the formulation of the "National Defense Program Outline", the international situation has greatly changed, with, most notably, the elimination of the structure of military confrontation between East and West brought on by the end of the Cold War; and also expectations for the role of the Self-Defense Forces have been increased in such fields as coping with situations including large-scale disasters, and contributing to building a more stable security environment, in addition to their principle mission of defending Japan.
   
   
3. The New "National Defense Program Outline" firmly maintains the basic national defense policy taken under the Constitution.
   
   There is also no change in the Government's stance in the matters regarded as not permissible under Japan's Constitution, such as the exercise of the right of collective self-defense.
   
   
4. Regarding its future defense capability, Japan will essentially continue to adhere to the existing concept of a basic and standard defense capability, based on the recognition that, as a trend in the international situation, various efforts for the stabilization of the international relations will continue to be pursued despite unpredictability and uncertainty, and that the Japan-U.S. security arrangements will continue to play and important role for the security of Japan and peace and stability in the areas surrounding Japan.
   
   The Outline states that in terms of the defense capability which Japan should maintain, it is necessary to review the scale and functionality of the present defense capability by streamlining, making it more efficient and compact, enhancing necessary functions and making qualitative improvements to be able to effectively respond to a variety of events. This revision also needs to take account of such factors as the progress of modern science and technology, the decreasing population of young people, and the increasingly severe economic and fiscal conditions. The formation of core units and the scale of their concrete equipment are shown in the attachment to the Outline.
   
   
5. The Outline recognizes that the Japan-U.S. security arrangements are indispensable to Japan's security and that they also continue to play a key role in achieving peace and stability in the areas surrounding Japan and establishing a more stable security environment.
   
   This means that the U.S. military presence and the U.S. engagement based on the Japan-U.S. security arrangements constitute a stabilizing factor in the areas surrounding Japan and that wide-ranging and close Japan-U.S. cooperative relations on the basis of their security arrangements in such fields as security, politics and economy are contributing to regional peace and stability. Therefore, the expression "achieving peace and stability in the areas surrounding Japan" does not mean a change in the Government's unified view concerning the interpretation of the "Far East" stipulated in the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
   
   In order to enhance the credibility of the Japan-U.S. security arrangements and ensure their effective implementation, it is necessary, according to the Outline, to make efforts (1) to promote policy consultations, etc., (2) to establish an effective posture for cooperation in operational areas, (3) to enhance broad mutual exchange in the areas of equipment and technology, and (4) to implement various measures to facilitate smooth and effective stationing of U.S. forces in Japan. The measures concerning the U.S. forces in Japan include not only support to the forces but also promotion of the consolidation, realignment and reduction of U.S. facilities and areas in Okinawa, where they are highly concentrated, in harmony with the objectives of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. The Government of Japan intends to tackle these issues actively.
   
   
6. As for the role of the defense capability, though it is a basic premise that it should center on the defense of our nation against aggression, the Outline states that it would also cope with large-scale disasters or other events by conducting relief activities in a timely and appropriate manner while maintaining close contact with the authorities concerned. It also states that, should a situation arise which would have an important influence on national peace and safety, we will take appropriate actions in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws and regulations. At the same time, to contribute to creating a more stable security environment, we will further promote international peace cooperation activities, security dialogue and exchange among defense authorities, and will cooperate in various activities in the areas of arms control and disarmament.
   
   As for the three principles on arms exports and collateral policy guidelines, we will maintain their basic concepts, that is, to avoid the escalation of international conflicts, while keeping harmony with the effective implementation of the Japan-U.S. security arrangements through enhancement of a broad mutual exchange in the areas of equipment and technology.
   
   
7. The Government of Japan will report the present decision to the Diet, and earnestly asks for the understanding and cooperation of the people.