Japanese Approach for Regional Security
- Paper number
IAC-07-E3.2.01
- Author
Dr. Kazuto Suzuki, University of Tsukuba, Japan
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Since the beginning of space activities, Japan has been shy from engaging in any security-related use of space. However, this long-serving Japanese principle of "non-military" nature is about to change due to the newly proposed draft Basic Law for Space Activities. This law aims to redefine the purposes and rationales for Japan to invest in space, and for the first time, the terminology of "security" appeared in the official document. This paper aims to explain why the concept of security suddenly appeared now, for what purposes, and what would change if the law is passed. In doing so, this paper examine, in its first section, the gradual development of introducing the concept of "safety" in public discussion for paving the way for introducing the concept of "security". Since 1998 when North Korean Taepodong flew over Japan, it has been struggling to justify the launch of Information Gathering Satellites (IGS) in its pacifist space development. The key argument was the contribution to the "safety" of people. This concept of "safety" eased the die-hard pacifist to accept the existence of IGS, but it increased the debate over the transparency of the operations of IGS. In the second section, this paper will argue that objectives and purposes of the terminology of "security" in the Basic Law. The immediate objective of introducing the new terminology was to overcome the legal constraints framed by the Diet Resolution for limiting the use of space "for exclusively peaceful purpose". In a particular political circumstance, this resolution was interpreted as "non-military" use of space, instead of "non-offensive" or "non-aggressive" use. The Basic Law is to change the interpretation of the resolution, while preserving the resolution. In the third section, it will argue how the Basic Law would contribute to the regional security. Given insecure situation in Korean Peninsula, opaque security strategy of China as well as the tension around Taiwan Straits, there are many potential seeds of conflict in Asian region. Japan, as a pacifist state, can contribute to provide confidence building measures in this region through mechanisms such as ASEAN Regional Forum and creation of information sharing center for early warning. In conclusion, this paper argues that Japan occupies a unique position in the region for providing infrastructure for confidence building, and it is the interest of Japan to play "peace broker" role in this region with its space capabilities.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E3.2.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.