Election won't alter Japan-US alliance

FE Team | Published: July 29, 2009 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Lt Gen Edward Rice, commander of the US forces in Japan, speaking at a press conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo Tuesday. —AP

TOKYO, July 28 (AP): The top commander for US troops in Japan brushed off any possible doubts Tuesday about the durability of the US-Japan security alliance, even if next month's parliamentary elections put a different party in power.
Lt Gen Edward Rice said the bilateral defense alliance, in effect since the end of World War II, has continued without problems over several changes of administrations in the US, and so it should be no different for Japan.
"I believe that regardless of whom the people of Japan choose as their next government, the fundamental pillars of our alliance will remain strong," Rice said at the Japan National Press Centre. "I am confident that the alliance will continue to survive for many, many years into the future."
The pro-US Liberal Democrats have ruled Japan almost continuously for the last half-century, but are falling out of favor with a public disenchanted with the economic slump and a gaffe-prone prime minister.
The opposition Democratic Party is threatening to seize power in the August 30 nationwide parliamentary elections, but it includes leftist-leaning legislators who have expressed doubts about the US military presence.
Under the alliance, the US pledges to do what is needed for the security and defense of Japan, including working with Japanese troops. In return, Japan welcomes US troops stationed within its territory and provides financial support for that as a "host nation."
As election day draws nearer, the Democrats have toned down their stance.
In their "manifesto" campaign platform released Monday, the Democrats were no different from the ruling party in placing the US-Japan security alliance as the keystone of Japan's foreign policy.
Masayuki Naoshima, a Democratic legislator in charge of policy, said a new administration would merely hope to be "a little bit more vocal."
"We need to build a relationship of trust with President Obama," he said.
The agreement is a treaty and can't be ditched just because a new party takes over, Naoshima said.
Political commentator Reiko Tamura criticised the Democrats as failing to fully understand the importance of the US-Japan alliance.
"Japan is going to be in a mess because it's going to be politics run by children," she told the news agency. "The Democrats need to understand that Japan cannot hope to survive without the US."