Gao Shi is not giving up, wants to write the Self-Defense Forces into the constitution, Ministry of Foreign Affairs responds: listen to public opinion
Not yet won control of the House of Representatives, Gao Shi Zao Miao has already exposed her ambition to amend the constitution.
At a recent campaign event, she clearly stated that she wants to include the Self-Defense Forces in the constitution. As is well known, the Self-Defense Forces are Japan's informal armed forces. The reason for being called "informal" is because Japan's constitution clearly stipulates that as a defeated country, Japan is not allowed to have a regular army or any war forces.
Therefore, after World War II, Japan could only establish armed forces under the name of a police force, which is the Self-Defense Forces. But it is said to be a national police reserve force, which is actually a de facto army, because before World War II, Germany also developed military equipment under this name.
Today's Self-Defense Forces have developed into an armed force with advanced equipment and combat capabilities, but they still lack a formal title. What Gao Shi Zao Miao wants to do is to "legitimize" the Self-Defense Forces and take this as the first step to break free from the constraints of the Peace Constitution.
However, even if the ruling coalition wins the House of Representatives election, it is difficult to reach the 2/3 threshold required for constitutional amendment on its own. This is not just a simple left-right issue, but relates to the fate of Japan.
If Japan re-arm, the first countries to feel the threat will be the neighboring countries that were once invaded. Not to mention China, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, and other countries would not accept it.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' response also mentioned this point. Spokesperson Lin Jian pointed out that Japan was able to return to the international community after the war precisely because it accepted the constraints of the Peace Constitution. The Japanese side should not reverse the order. China urges Japan to deeply reflect on its historical crimes, listen to domestic public opinion, rather than act unilaterally and be determined to make enemies with its neighbors.
Listening to public opinion is very important. In fact, after Gao Shi made relevant statements, she was immediately criticized by the Japanese media. Not only the opposition parties, but more people are participating in peace rallies. Japanese people indeed hope their country becomes stronger, but this does not mean they are willing to sacrifice peace.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856180923338764/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.