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On June 25, the DPJ held a meeting of Café Democrats, an exchange and discussion forum for members of the diplomatic corps based in Tokyo. Following a welcome address by DPJ International Department Director-General Yukihisa Fujita, Policy Research Committee Chair Goshi Hosono gave a speech on the theme: ‘Security Legislation’
Hosono started by explaining that the DPJ believes in the following concepts with regard to security:
(1) Upholding the concept of pacifism and remaining committed to an exclusively defense oriented policy.
(2) Deepening the Japan-US alliance while allowing Japan to make autonomous judgments as a sovereign nation.
(3) Engaging actively in international peace cooperation activities.
(4) Determining whether or not to provide assistance to foreign militaries on a case-by-case basis.
Stressing these points, Hosono slammed the Abe Cabinet’s proposed security legislation as “unrestrictive and a huge reversal [of Japan’s post-war security policy]. And it is even disrespectful of the Japanese people. We cannot accept such legislation.” In addition, Hosono also stated that DPJ’s stance is “Remaining committed to an exclusively defense-oriented policy that is realistic in Japan’s vicinity, restrictive in far-off regions, and active in humanitarian assistance.”
With regard to so-called “grey zone situations”, Hosono also explained that the DPJ is proposing a Territorial Security Act, which will ensure a strengthened cooperation among the Japan Coast Guard, police authorities and the SDF.
Following the speech, there was an exchange of opinions, with diplomats raising questions regarding issues such as the shape of opposition cooperation, the DPJ’s evaluation of changes in the security environment and Japan’s response to ISIL.
DPJ International Department Vice Director-General Hiroe Makiyama acted as moderator, and the meeting was also attended by Vice Directors-General Junya Ogawa and Soichiro Okuno.
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