Asian defense issues: Japan collective defense law draws mixed response

Asian defense issues: Japan collective defense law draws mixed response

MANILA — Official reactions were mixed in Asia and the West to a new law that will allow Japan to fight alongside allies, potentially far from home.

China has been reclaming land on Mischief Reef in the South China Sea, as shown in Sept. 8 photo. (courtesy CSIS) © Reuters

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China has been reclaming land on Mischief Reef in the South China Sea, as shown in Sept. 8 photo. (courtesy CSIS) © Reuters

     Many countries responded positively to the passage of the security legislation, hoping it will help keep China’s strategic ambitions in check in the South China Sea and elsewhere. But some with strong economic ties to Beijing were reluctant to comment on the content or significance of the law.

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The Philippines is locked in a fierce struggle with China over territory in the South China Sea. The country’s foreign secretary, Albert del Rosario, said Saturday in a statement that he “welcomes the passage of the legislation,” adding the Philippines was hopeful the move would foster Japan’s efforts to achieve “greater peace, stability, and mutual prosperity in the international community.” 

     Australian Defense Minister Kevin Andrews released a statement the same day saying the new legislation will allow Australia, Japan, and the U.S. to further develop their defense ties.

     In Singapore, the Straits Times reported the news in the early-morning hours Saturday, mentioning that passage of the law drew protests from Japanese citizens opposed to the historic change, including daily demonstrations in front of the Diet, Japan’s parliament. But the newspaper declined to comment on the law itself.  

      The U.S. State Department, in a statement Friday, welcomed “Japan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the alliance and to play a more active role in regional and international security activities.”

      British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond on Friday congratulated the Japanese government, saying the legal revision would “allow Japan to play a greater role in international peace and security.” The U.K. hopes Japan will take “an increasingly active part in peacekeeping operations and supporting international efforts to secure peace and prosperity,” Hammond added.

Asian defense issues: Japan collective defense law draws mixed response