Reference News Network November 16 report: Japan's "Shinano Mainichi Shimbun" published an editorial on November 11 titled "The Prime Minister's Response on 'Critical Situation for Survival' Highlights the Risks of Security Policy." The article excerpts as follows:

Prime Minister Sanae Takeda's response in the Diet regarding "the situation in Taiwan" once again highlights the danger that ambiguous definitions may lead to the exercise of collective self-defense rights.

At a meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee last week, she said, "If force is used, it could easily escalate into a critical situation for survival." This was the first time a sitting Japanese prime minister explicitly stated that "the situation in Taiwan" could constitute a "critical situation for survival" for Japan.

"Critical situation for survival" is a new provision added in the 2015 security-related laws, which distorted the constitutional interpretation of previous governments and allowed the exercise of collective self-defense rights. A "critical situation for survival" refers to a clear dangerous situation where a country closely related to Japan is attacked, thereby threatening Japan's survival, fundamentally undermining the rights of Japanese citizens to life, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.

Even if Japan is not directly attacked, the government can use force if it deems itself to be in a "critical situation for survival." The prime minister's response has extremely serious consequences.

So far, the Japanese government has always stated that it would "comprehensively assess each specific case," repeatedly emphasizing that it is difficult to generalize what situations qualify as a "critical situation for survival." However, Takeda's comments have crossed the line and may exacerbate military tensions with China, leading to further regional instability.

Ultimately, what exactly constitutes a situation where another country's attack leads to Japan's survival being at risk and the fundamental disruption of the people's lives and freedoms? The premise for allowing the exercise of collective self-defense rights remains vague and unclear.

Therefore, if the government's comprehensive assessment determines that it is a "critical situation for survival," it could lead to an uncontrolled and unlimited expansion of the use of force. We must pay attention to the "clear danger of fundamentally subverting the peaceful spirit of the Constitution."

In fact, before becoming prime minister, Takeda had consistently publicly advocated that "the situation in Taiwan is Japan's situation." It has been ten years since the enactment of the security laws. The scope of the Self-Defense Forces' missions has greatly expanded, and Japan-US military integration efforts are also advancing. The Takeda government plans to increase defense spending while revising the three security documents ahead of schedule, further strengthening military preparedness.

Compared to building deterrence, these actions are likely to worsen relations with neighboring countries. The Diet must hold the government accountable for its apparent moves that seem to pave the way for war. (Translation by Liu Lin)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7573173367289758248/

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