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Young Japanese Leaders and Entrepreneurs

June 26 - On Saturday, June 20th I experienced the energy and enthusiasm of young Japanese entrepreneurs firsthand. The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Japan invited former Prime Minister Abe and me to talk to their leadership on the future of the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance. I was very impressed that JCI leaders from all 47 Japanese prefectures travelled to Tokyo to engage in this discussion. The room with nearly 150 participants seemed full of energy and enthusiasm to learn about important policy issues facing Japan.

JCI President Azato asked me about the role of our alliance in assuring peace and stability in the region, about our Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, and about North Korea and China. I pointed out that our security treaty has endured for nearly five decades because each side contributes to our alliance so both sides benefit. In the case of the United States, we agree to send military service members far from their homes to defend Japan and deter potential regional threats. Japan, in turn, provides us with land to base these forces and defrays some of the costs of stationing American troops here. I noted that because we share common values like a belief in democracy and human rights the United States and Japan can collaborate in a broad number of areas. I also agreed with former Prime Minister Abe’s comment that this alliance has also endured because of mutual trust.

Please look below if you would like to see some of the questions and answers from my talk. I’d love to hear your comments on this presentation.

Until next time,

Jim


1. Please tell us (your views) on the future of Japan and the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

As Secretary Clinton stated during her February 2009 visit to Japan, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy. The Alliance is vitally important to the peace and prosperity of both of our countries, the Asia-Pacific region, and the world. Our partnership stretches back nearly half a century and we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Alliance in 2010. The Alliance’s foundation has been and always will be a commitment to our shared security. In addition, though, our Alliance is also one that is based on mutual respect for our common values: freedom, democracy, and human rights.

The treaty that underscores our Alliance is called the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security because it involves contributions from both sides. Both sides have obligations under the Treaty and both sides benefit from it equally. Under Article V of the Treaty, the United States agrees to act with Japan to meet the common danger of an attack against either party in territories under the administration of Japan. In Article VI, Japan agrees to provide bases for use by the armed forces of the U.S. “For the purpose of contributing to the security of Japan and the maintenance of international peace and security” in the region. Both sides have to meet their obligations under Article V, as well as Article VI for the Treaty to function properly and provide benefits to both parties.

2. Please tell us (your views) on the (problems with) the SOFA and what (you think of) how the Japanese government deals with the problems.

While the Status of Forces Agreement dates from 1960, administration of the SOFA has changed, and improved, over time. The Joint Committee of the U.S. and Japan review issues and, as appropriate, mutually agree to modify implementation of the SOFA. As an example, as part of a Joint Committee agreement, when certain requirements are met the U.S. agrees to turn over custody of SOFA status personnel to Japanese authorities prior to indictment in the case of heinous crime allegations. In addition, a December 2008 meeting between the base-hosting Governors’ association and representatives of the Japanese and U.S. governments established a mechanism to discuss issues of mutual concern so to achieve better communication and stable basing of U.S. forces in Japan.

There are some popular misperceptions in Japan about the SOFA. One of these is that the SOFA shields American service members who commit crimes from punishment. That is not the case. U.S. military authorities actively assist Japanese authorities in investigating all allegations of crimes against U.S. SOFA-status personnel. Another misperception is that the SOFA allows the U.S. military to ignore environmental rules in Japan. Again, that is incorrect. In fact, on bases in Japan the U.S. military studies both Japanese and U.S. environmental regulations and observers whichever regulation provides stricter protection of the environment.

3. Please tell us (your views) on the importance of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and problems (with the same).

As I mentioned earlier, in 2010 we will observe the 50 anniversary of the Security Treaty. This is a remarkable event. Simply put, the Security Treaty is the legal basis for the U.S.-Japan Alliance, provides for the security of the Japanese people and ensures regional stability. The Alliance has kept the peace in Asia for five decades, providing the environment of safety and stability that enabled Japan to become an economically strong and vibrant democracy. The Cold War is over, but the Northeast Asia security situation remains tense. Although both sides need to contribute to the Alliance – for example the young American military members who must leave their own homes in order to protect us here -- it remains a vital force for peace.

4. Please tell us (what you think) is the most important goal of force realignment.

A close, cooperative relationship based on the U.S.-Japan alliance plays an important role in effectively dealing with global challenges, and must evolve to reflect the changing security environment. The U.S. and Japan agreed to modify the posture of U.S. forces in Japan, and related SDF forces, in light of a shared commitment to strengthen deterrence and capabilities while reducing the impact on local communities, both on the mainland and in Okinawa. The U.S. and Japan recognize the importance of enhancing Japanese and U.S. public support for the Alliance, which contributes to a sustainable Alliance.

5. Please tell us the reason for the delay in providing information to Japan (compared to S. Korea) on the launch of the N. Korean missile in April this year.

There was no delay. We were in close contact with the Japanese government for weeks before the launch. We conveyed North Korea’s message regarding its impending launch to the Japanese government before the event, and we remained in close touch after the launch both here and through our joint actions in New York at the UNSC.

6. There are reports that there are some in the U.S. leadership that place China above Japan in an alliance relationship – please tell us (what you think) about this.

I have seen those reports and, frankly, I find them hard to understand. Let me be perfectly clear about this. There is only one alliance relationship among the U.S., Japan and China, and that is the U.S.-Japan alliance. The U.S.-China relationship is complex and is developing rapidly. It is natural for the United States to engage with China on a wide range of issues like climate change, military transparency, and the economy. Our relationship with Japan is very different because we share common values such as freedom of speech and the press, human rights, democracy, market economy, and rule of law. These values are deeply rooted in the long historic traditions of both countries and they provide a broad scope for our cooperation on a global scale.

I sometimes get the impression when I read such reports that those who write them feel that any improvement in the U.S.-China relationship has to come at the expense of Japan. We call that a zero-sum approach to international relations and it simply is not correct. Improvements in U.S.-China relations benefit Japan, just as improvements in Japan-China relations benefit the U.S., because they lead to greater stability and prosperity in the region and better cooperation on a wide range of issues.

7. What is your hope for the young people of Japan, including the JC members?

As our discussion here today has demonstrated, the U.S.-Japan alliance, based on the Security Treaty and the SOFA, has served Japan and the U.S. very well for fifty years and has made an important contribution to the peace and economic prosperity we all enjoy today. But at the same time, the benefits provided by the alliance are not free. Both the U.S. and Japan have obligations under the Treaty that we must meet in order for the alliance to function properly. Sometimes I feel that the debate about the alliance here focuses too much on the burdens Japan bears and overlooks both the burdens the U.S. bears and the tremendous benefits both countries gain from the alliance.

The JCs are future leaders of Japan and are known for their energy and entrepreneurial spirit. I hope that you will continue to contribute to building a strong economy and that your endeavors will inspire others. I also hope that you will think carefully about the U.S.-Japan alliance and recognize the benefits it provides to Japan and to the U.S.

COMMENTS

Edward writes:

Greetings Sir,

I think you handle each question with tact and strenght;that my friend is a great thing to know and have the support of great leaders were you can stand firm in all areas. Sir keep up the great work!!

Respectfully,

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