Japanese Steps towards Regional and Global Confidence Building: Japanese Steps towards Regional and Global Confidence Building Collective Security in Space – Asian Perspective Panel III: Regional and International Space Security Initiatives Kazuto Suzuki University of Tsukuba 24 April, 2006


Introduction: Introduction Japanese normative ground on space and security Reflection of Pacifist vs. Realist Realist: Strengthening Japanese technological capability Pacifist: Military-driven technology should be controlled Underlying normative framework: atomic energy Controlling users, not the purposes – exclude military to be involved Nuclear issue – very sensitive to Japanese public Diet Resolution in 1969 “Space Development for Exclusively Peaceful Purposes” “Open, Transparent, Democratic” decision-making Excluding any military involvement – national consensus Civilian, technology-driven space programs Lack of political and strategic interests – Bureaucrat-led policy Fit in Cold War Japanese strategy – low investment in defense, technological competence, join the big countries’ club, respecting alliance with the US


Shocks in Post-Cold War period: Shocks in Post-Cold War period Launch of Taepodong in 1998 Political and social panic – Pacifist ideal is no longer relevant Quick decision to launch Information Gathering Satellites Troubles of IGS Diet resolution – SDF are not allowed to develop, own and operate “multi-purpose satellite” – infringes with 1990 Accord Transforming US-Japan alliance Sharing burden – New guideline, Afghanistan, Iraq Missile defense and US RMA and transformation Changing role of Self-Defense Forces Participation in Missile Defense Japanese system depends on US early warning intelligence Question of “collective defense” – Japan does not exercise the right Question of Diet resolution – Japanese MD is in dilemma


The Basic Law: The Basic Law Minister for Space and HQ Minister for Space is supposed to be the leader and planner All user ministries participate in Headquarters – interministerial coordination Transform Japanese space from R&D to user-oriented activities Incentives for user ministries including Ministry of Defense Tools for security and foreign policy Reinterpretation of Diet Resolution “Exclusively peaceful purpose” will be remained as a text From “non-military” to “non-aggressive/non-offensive” nature Allows defense authority to be involved in space policy making Contribution to global and regional security


Contribution to Global Security: Contribution to Global Security Combination of security and diplomacy Japanese Constitutional constraints wouldn’t change after Basic Law Using space for purely defense purpose does not make sense in Japan Using space as a diplomatic tools is expected in the Basic Law Improving capability and scope of peacekeeping and disaster relief Increasing participation in peacekeeping and disaster relief operations Cambodia, Golan Heights, Mozambique, Rwanda, and East Timor, Pakistan earthquake, Indonesia Tsunami + Indian Ocean and Iraq Changing perspective of SDF From “unconstitutional force” to important contribution to the world Contradiction of Diet Resolution Troops are sent for maintenance of “peace” but cannot use space because of “exclusive peaceful purpose” Basic Law is to solve the contradiction


Contribution to Regional Security: Contribution to Regional Security Unstable security condition in Asia North Korean nuclear and missile test Increasing military spending and modernization of PLA Number of territorial disputes Strengthening regional forum ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – Central organization to deal with conflict APEC and East Asian Summit – contribute to some aspects of security Prioritize regional interest to national agenda Japan’s interest is not push domestic agenda and being isolated Abductees issue, unilateral sanction on North Korea Strengthening regional security reflects on Japanese security Using technological advantage and taking leadership Role of the US is weakened after the end of Cold War China is emerging as a potential leader Fragmented approach by Japan – comparison of APSCO and APRSAF Basic Law is to coordinate inter-ministerial policy and provide leadership in space


Conclusion: Conclusion Japan’s contribution – take leadership Provide infrastructure for regional security Complementary role to US leadership Using technological advantage – imagery satellite with various sensors Already started – Sentinel Asia – Needs to extend Regional Confidence Building Satellite Owned and operated by Japanese authority Designed to distribute imagery intelligence for monitoring arms control, troops movement, strategic facilities Members of the region would have free access Transparency Information Center Distribution of imagery and archives European experience: EU Satellite Centre in Torrejon and BOC Japan would play a role of “Peace Broker” Consistent with its Constitutional requirement Ensuring regional security is the interest of Japan