Japan's Defense Role in the Eighties

摘要

Japan is considering major decisions which will affect its defense role in the Eighties. The US is applying pressure on Japan to significantly increase its defense spending and to assume responsibility for sea lines of communication security out to 1,000 miles. The domestic and international constraints are analyzed and recommendations made to enhance US strategic goals. No changes should be made to the constitution or US-Japan MST. Defense cooperation should continue to increase and a combined peacetime HQ should be formed. The 1,000 mile SLOC proposal should be cut back to responsibility for Japan's territorial waters out to 200 nm. Japan should share key high technology with the US for defense purposes. The US needs a better understanding of Japan and more patient with its processes. The US should pledge grain and Alaskan oil for Japan in a crisis. Japan must solve its fiscal crisis soon. Japan should build up strategic reserves of key materials. Information was obtained from Japanese, Asian and US newspapers, official publications, journals, and books. (Author)