Japan should play an active role in supporting efforts toward a nuclear weapons free world, without jeopardizing its close and trusted relations with the United States, said Natsuo Yamaguchi, president of the New Komei Party, the country’s third largest political party that has promoted and pursued initiatives to enhance peace and protect the vulnerable in Japanese society since 1964.
Excerpts from the interview with IDN-InDepthNews Japan correspondent Katsuhiro Asagiri:
NATSUO YAMAGUCHI: I am happy that we are witnessing a groundswell of efforts toward nuclear abolition among nuclear weapons states led by the United States. The New Komei Party has constantly advocated nuclear abolition but during and right after the cold war period, no common consensus could be formed especially among nuclear weapon states.
Now that this groundswell of movement has arisen toward doing away with nuclear weapons, Japan, as the only country which experienced nuclear holocaust, must seize this opportunity to play an active role through concrete steps in (1) advancing nuclear disarmament bringing the number of nuclear weapons possessed by nuclear holding states to zero, (2) preventing nuclear proliferation, and (3) promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy by providing Japan’s technology.
I trust that such efforts are most appropriate for Japan which has both the right and a responsibility to play a constructive role. We, the New Komei Party, would like to be a front runner in this effort.
NUCLEAR UMBRELLA
Q: Speaking of nuclear abolition: President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt has during U.S. visit this August politely rejected U.S. nuclear umbrella and strongly pleaded for the Middle East becoming a nuclear weapons free zone without any weapons of mass destruction. The Middle East is a rather hot spot in comparison to North-east Asia. Isn’t Egypt’s stance perhaps worth emulating by Japan that appears to be caught in some kind of a dilemma between its national security concern and
wish for a nuclear free world? What do you think?
NY: I would say Egypt’s stance is indeed thought-provoking. So far the concept of Japan’s national security is based on the U.S.-Japan Treaty (of mutual cooperation and security) that entails the perception of nuclear deterrence. A reappraisal of that perception would require careful consideration — consideration also of implications for our relations with other countries. At the same time, I think it is important to very carefully ponder over whether the theory of nuclear
deterrence will hold ground in the future.
In my view, instead of nuclear deterrence and national security measures influencing the relationships among nations, a series of bilateral relationships based on a wide range of cooperation entailing cultural and economic aspects, would gradually build a mass of multilateral relations. Only such trusted and solidly based multilateral relations would enable us review the concept of national security and in turn even influence the existing rigid way of thinking on security concerns.
I believe that a nuclear free zone such as the one proposed by Mr. Mubarak cannot be established on the basis of a one country initiative. Confidence-building among nations in the region is vital — it must be based on a holistic approach to the ultimate goal; besides, it cannot be achieved in a short period of time. If we succeed in creating adequate regional environs, it would lay the groundwork for not only a nuclear weapons free zone but also for a platform for collective
security in the region.
In this context, let me point out that I myself have attended several international conferences convened by policy makers from NATO member countries right after the end of cold war. I still remember the remarks made by a policy maker from Iceland at one of those conferences. A representative of Iceland said that his country does not have an army of its own but has nevertheless played an important role within the collective security framework of NATO.
What he meant was that Iceland can provide a un-freeze port and a 24-hour available airbase for NATO thus serving as a cornerstone to bridging both sides of the Atlantic. This contains a lesson that national security in relations with allied nations does not necessarily have to be accompanied by substantial military capability.
In other words, a country could assume an important role for the stability of a region or regions by contributing in a way that reflects its own national setting. Iceland could do so only because there already existed a solid trusted base with countries in the region which have pledged not to invade but protect the small island of Iceland by all means. Without such a trusted relationship, the Iceland approach is not possible.
I am convinced that it is important for Japan to build up such trusted relationships with eighboring Asian countries. If we look only at military aspects, we will never be able to attain the goal of fostering trust. In fact, it is crucial to have a wide spectrum of channels including economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges leading to trusted relationships with Asian neighboring countries.
I believe that through such sincere approaches we can help evolve conditions for mutual security in the region. These in turn would help us take necessary steps toward the establishment of a nuclear free zone in Asia. I am aware that such a zone will not be achieved within a short span of time but it is very important that we strive towards that goal.
JAPAN, U.S. AND NORTH-EAST ASIA
Q: What role do you envisage in this context for Japan’s relations with North-east Asia and the United States?
NY: Let me start with U.S.-Japan relations: The bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Japan is the most basic and vital diplomatic capital for Japan — and I believe that this will not change in the future. Casting doubts on this trusted relationship would bring in unstable elements not only to bilateral relations but also to international relations, including the Asian region. Therefore, I believe that maintaining and furthering the trusted relationship with the U.S. is vital.
Further, I believe that when we think of Japan’s road to the future, it should be anchored in our constitution, our country’s activities within the framework of the UN, and the U.S.-Japan relationship based on a treaty of mutual cooperation and security. Based on these three vital norms, and while maintaining cooperation with emerging neighboring powers in Asia such as China and South Korea, Japan should strive to contribute toward stability and prosperity in the region.
This will surely have positive impact on international relations. Let us consider as an example Japan’s concerns with neighboring North Korea — about nuclear development, missile tests and the abduction of Japanese nationals. We have six-party talks aimed at solving these issues through peaceful negotiations and U.S.-Japan relations play a vital role. Any uncertainty in U.S.-Japan relationship would make it impossible to advance on resolving tensions.