Minister Ishiba Attends Seventh Asian Security Summit

Transcription

1 The Latest News on the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces No.10 JULY NEWS FLASHES Minister Ishiba Attends Seventh Asian Security Summit On May 31 Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba attended the Seventh Asian Security Summit in Singapore, hosted by the British think tank, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). He addressed the defense ministers and other representatives of 27 countries on the topic of The Future of East Asian Security. (See below for the gist of the speech.) Following the meeting, Minister Ishiba had bilateral talks with his counterparts from seven countries, including the United States and Australia (see next page for summaries of the meetings), and paid a courtesy call on Singapore s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Minister Ishiba also delivered a speech on Japan s defense policy at the international conference held in Tokyo from June 2 to 4 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the IISS. Gist of Minister Ishiba s Speech The keyword for East Asia is diversity. Diversity in such areas as ethnicity and religion could become a cause of conflicts. The potential for conflicts that had remained latent due MEETINGS WITH FOREIGN LEADERS to the Balance of Terror during the Cold War has subsequently come to the surface. The 9/11 terrorist attacks have exposed the dangers of terrorism, which cannot effectively be dealt with deterrence by punishment. Continuous effort to review the effectiveness of the balance of power is necessary to ensure stability in East Asia. China has an important role to play in the future of East Asian security. Enhanced transparency of China s military capabilities and their purpose is strongly desired. Bilateral efforts to tackle regional challenges by the United States and Japan with further determination and Courtesy Call on Australian Prime Minister Rudd On June 11, Minister of Defense Shigeru Ishiba paid a courtesy call on Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd during the latter s visit to Japan and exchanged views on bilateral security cooperation and other issues. The following day, Prime Minister Rudd met with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and concurred on promoting cooperation based Minister Ishiba meeting with Prime Minister Rudd. INSIDE : International Peace Cooperation Activities in Nepal MSDF Vessel Makes First Visit to China Minister Ishiba delivers a speech at the Asian Security Summit in Singapore on a released join statement. In the area of security cooperation, the statement called for promoting bilateral security cooperation and enhancing dialogue and cooperation on a trilateral basis with the United States. It also confirmed further efforts to realize Australia s proposal to hold the next Japan-Australia Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial Consultations ( two-plus-two ) in Canberra in early November. capabilities can contribute to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Stronger reliance on the Alliance and greater emphasis on Asian Diplomacy are not mutually exclusive, and these two can be achieved simultaneously. At present the Government of Japan has no plans to amend its Constitution nor change its interpretation. Should the issue of the right of collective self-defense come up for discussion in the National Diet at a future date, there would be a need to strictly prescribe the conditions under which it could be exercised and to explicitly state the Diet s engagement. Such a move would have to be premised on winning the trust of the people of Asia. There would also be a need for a new general law for international peace cooperation activities that outlines Japan s responsibilities for the peace and stability of the world and that shows a menu for responding proactively to the needs of the international community. Efforts are ongoing within the Japanese Government to reform the Ministry of Defense, and steps are being taken to achieve them at an early date. There is a need to enhance Japan s comprehensive capabilities of deterrence by denial, such as through a ballistic missile defense system and protection of our people. This should be realized not just by individual states but also through regional cooperation. For the full text of Minister Ishiba s speech, see: MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY 1

2 DEFENSE MINISTERIAL MEETING COUNTRY SUPPORT s with Defense Ministers in Singapore International Peace Cooperation Activities in Nepal Japan-US In March 2007 Japan dispatched six arms monitors to the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). More than a year has passed since the initial dispatch, and the task is now being carried out by a second team of six personnel. As a member of the Asian community, Japan is making an ongoing contribution not only financially but also with human resources in this country, which occupies a place of strategic importance between China and India. Japan-Canada Japan-ROK Japan-France Japan-Singapore Japan-UK Japan-Australia 2 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY Defense Secretary Robert Gates lauded the resumption of Japan s replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean. He concurred with Minister Ishiba on the importance of steadily implementing the realignment of US Forces in line with the United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation. Minister Ishiba noted that realignment serves two purposes, namely, maintaining deterrence capabilities and reducing the burden on the host nation. In promoting realignment, he cited the need to mutually share necessary information and ensure accountability toward the people of both countries. Canadian Defense Minister Peter McKay expressed gratitude for Japan s replenishment activities and explained the Canada First Defense Strategy recently announced by the Canadian Government. He noted that Japan is a vital partner sharing common values and expressed a desire for stronger regional cooperation. It was agreed to consider the possibility of cooperation in such areas as humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping operations. Minister Ishiba exchanged views with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Sang-Hee on recent bilateral defense exchanges, including the visit to Japan by Republic of Korea chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The two concurred on forging future-oriented ties between defense authorities while squarely confronting the past, holding regular and frank discussions at the ministerial and various other levels while reinforcing the quality and quantity of dialogue, and deepening bilateral cooperation for the region. Minister Ishiba and French Defense Minister Hervé Morin exchanged views on the regional situation, including China. Minister Ishiba noted that he hoped that China would enhance the transparency of the purpose of its arms buildup, which, though, was not regarded as a threat. The two agreed to continue the exchange of views between defense officials and maintain and enhance bilateral cooperation and dialogue, including a visit to France by the Japanese Defense Minister. UNMIN s Mission Singaporean Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean lauded the resumption of replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean by Japan, and Minister Ishiba praised Singapore s efforts to host the Asian Security Summit. The two also exchanged opinions on the regional situation, including China. In 1996 the Maoist Communist Party of Nepal launched an armed struggle to seize control of government by toppling the royal family, and civil war continued for approximately 10 years. The new government that came to power in 2006 reached agreement with the Maoists to request the assistance of the United Nations in monitoring the management of arms and armed personnel of the Nepalese and Maoist armies. UNMIN was established in January 2007 in response to this request. Monitoring the management of arms in Nepal. (UN Photo / UNMIN) and barracks for the Nepalese army. In line with the provisions of the United Nations, the six UNMIN personnel are not carrying any weapons. In the past, SDF personnel had been dispatched as military observers and as staff officers of UN mission headquarters together with SDF contingents. This time, the personnel have been dispatched on an individual basis. Japan s Contributions in Nepal To ensure that they are able to carry out In March 2007 Japan dispatched six mem- smooth and efficient operations, Japan, bers of the Ground Self-Defense Force in on its own initiative, has dispatched four response to a request by the United Nations liaison personnel in addition to the six for the dispatch of arms monitors to UNMIN. arms monitors. The six personnel are engaged in monitoring the management of arms and Second Team of Arms Monitors armed personnel at seven Maoist camps In January the UN Security Council decided to extend UNMIN s activities for six months to July, in response to a request from the Nepalese government. Based on this, Japan in March dispatched a second team of six SDF members. After receiving information from UN and other related organizations on the local situation, they have been conducting their activities in various locations in Nepal in place of the initial team members since mid-march. The first team of personnel returned home on March 18,, after accomplishing their yearlong mission. In July the UN Security Council decided to further extend UNMIN s activities for six months to January Location of Military Monitoring Officers Placed under UNMIN Minister Ishiba expressed gratitude to Defense Secretary Des Browne for the support provided by British troops for the humanitarian and reconstruction assistance activities by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force stationed in Samawah, Iraq. Secretary Browne conveyed his gratitude for Japan s reconstruction assistance in Iraq, replenishment activities, and financial contributions for Afghanistan. The two agreed on the importance of replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean and exchanged views on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also agreed to promote further cooperation in the field of international peace cooperation activities. Minister Ishiba and Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon lauded the recent progress in defense exchanges and concurred on promoting the updating of the Memorandum on Defense Exchange and establishing a working group to accelerate studies on logistics cooperation. The two also concurred on continuing discussions on cooperation for regional peace and stability, including with the United States, and committing efforts to realize Australia s proposal to hold the second two-plustwo meeting in Australia this year. H NEPAL i m a l a y a Dhaulagiri CHINA UNMIN headquarters Members of the second team on duty in Nepal. Mt.Everest Organizational Structure of UNMIN Kathmandu Special Representative of the Secretary-General INDIA Joint Monitoring Coordinating Committee Arms monitoring component Civilian component Political affairs Civil affairs Electoral assistance Sector headquarters Counties where Maoist camps are located Ganges MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY 3

3 DEFENSE MINISTERIAL MEETING COUNTRY SUPPORT s with Defense Ministers in Singapore International Peace Cooperation Activities in Nepal Japan-US In March 2007 Japan dispatched six arms monitors to the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN). More than a year has passed since the initial dispatch, and the task is now being carried out by a second team of six personnel. As a member of the Asian community, Japan is making an ongoing contribution not only financially but also with human resources in this country, which occupies a place of strategic importance between China and India. Japan-Canada Japan-ROK Japan-France Japan-Singapore Japan-UK Japan-Australia 2 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY Defense Secretary Robert Gates lauded the resumption of Japan s replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean. He concurred with Minister Ishiba on the importance of steadily implementing the realignment of US Forces in line with the United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation. Minister Ishiba noted that realignment serves two purposes, namely, maintaining deterrence capabilities and reducing the burden on the host nation. In promoting realignment, he cited the need to mutually share necessary information and ensure accountability toward the people of both countries. Canadian Defense Minister Peter McKay expressed gratitude for Japan s replenishment activities and explained the Canada First Defense Strategy recently announced by the Canadian Government. He noted that Japan is a vital partner sharing common values and expressed a desire for stronger regional cooperation. It was agreed to consider the possibility of cooperation in such areas as humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping operations. Minister Ishiba exchanged views with Republic of Korea Minister of National Defense Lee Sang-Hee on recent bilateral defense exchanges, including the visit to Japan by Republic of Korea chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The two concurred on forging future-oriented ties between defense authorities while squarely confronting the past, holding regular and frank discussions at the ministerial and various other levels while reinforcing the quality and quantity of dialogue, and deepening bilateral cooperation for the region. Minister Ishiba and French Defense Minister Hervé Morin exchanged views on the regional situation, including China. Minister Ishiba noted that he hoped that China would enhance the transparency of the purpose of its arms buildup, which, though, was not regarded as a threat. The two agreed to continue the exchange of views between defense officials and maintain and enhance bilateral cooperation and dialogue, including a visit to France by the Japanese Defense Minister. UNMIN s Mission Singaporean Defense Minister Teo Chee Hean lauded the resumption of replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean by Japan, and Minister Ishiba praised Singapore s efforts to host the Asian Security Summit. The two also exchanged opinions on the regional situation, including China. In 1996 the Maoist Communist Party of Nepal launched an armed struggle to seize control of government by toppling the royal family, and civil war continued for approximately 10 years. The new government that came to power in 2006 reached agreement with the Maoists to request the assistance of the United Nations in monitoring the management of arms and armed personnel of the Nepalese and Maoist armies. UNMIN was established in January 2007 in response to this request. Monitoring the management of arms in Nepal. (UN Photo / UNMIN) and barracks for the Nepalese army. In line with the provisions of the United Nations, the six UNMIN personnel are not carrying any weapons. In the past, SDF personnel had been dispatched as military observers and as staff officers of UN mission headquarters together with SDF contingents. This time, the personnel have been dispatched on an individual basis. Japan s Contributions in Nepal To ensure that they are able to carry out In March 2007 Japan dispatched six mem- smooth and efficient operations, Japan, bers of the Ground Self-Defense Force in on its own initiative, has dispatched four response to a request by the United Nations liaison personnel in addition to the six for the dispatch of arms monitors to UNMIN. arms monitors. The six personnel are engaged in monitoring the management of arms and Second Team of Arms Monitors armed personnel at seven Maoist camps In January the UN Security Council decided to extend UNMIN s activities for six months to July, in response to a request from the Nepalese government. Based on this, Japan in March dispatched a second team of six SDF members. After receiving information from UN and other related organizations on the local situation, they have been conducting their activities in various locations in Nepal in place of the initial team members since mid-march. The first team of personnel returned home on March 18,, after accomplishing their yearlong mission. In July the UN Security Council decided to further extend UNMIN s activities for six months to January Location of Military Monitoring Officers Placed under UNMIN Minister Ishiba expressed gratitude to Defense Secretary Des Browne for the support provided by British troops for the humanitarian and reconstruction assistance activities by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force stationed in Samawah, Iraq. Secretary Browne conveyed his gratitude for Japan s reconstruction assistance in Iraq, replenishment activities, and financial contributions for Afghanistan. The two agreed on the importance of replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean and exchanged views on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also agreed to promote further cooperation in the field of international peace cooperation activities. Minister Ishiba and Australian Defense Minister Joel Fitzgibbon lauded the recent progress in defense exchanges and concurred on promoting the updating of the Memorandum on Defense Exchange and establishing a working group to accelerate studies on logistics cooperation. The two also concurred on continuing discussions on cooperation for regional peace and stability, including with the United States, and committing efforts to realize Australia s proposal to hold the second two-plustwo meeting in Australia this year. H NEPAL i m a l a y a Dhaulagiri CHINA UNMIN headquarters Members of the second team on duty in Nepal. Mt.Everest Organizational Structure of UNMIN Kathmandu Special Representative of the Secretary-General INDIA Joint Monitoring Coordinating Committee Arms monitoring component Civilian component Political affairs Civil affairs Electoral assistance Sector headquarters Counties where Maoist camps are located Ganges MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY 3

4 TOPICS Departure of Third Replenishment Flotilla The replenishment ship Hamana and destroyer Yudachi left Sasebo Port on July 24 for the Indian Ocean as the third replenishment flotilla with a crew of approximately 330. At present, the replenishment ship Mashu and destroyer Ikazuchi A scene from the send-off ceremony at Sasebo Base. which left Maizuru and Yokosuka Ports, respectively, on April 20 for the Indian Ocean as the second replenishment flotilla, are engaged in replenishment activities. The first flotilla comprising the replenishment ship Oumi and destroyer Murasame returned on June 3 to Sasebo and June 4 to Yokosuka, respectively, after completing its mission of four and a half months. All members returned home safely. JASDF Airlift Squadron Marks 700th Flight in Iraq C-130 transport planes of the JASDF Iraqi Reconstruction Assistance Air Transport Squadron marked their 700th flight. The squadron has been transporting personnel and supplies of the UN and multinational forces from Kuwait to Iraq since March 2004 The JASDF Iraqi Reconstruction Assistance Air Transport Squadron in Kuwait. to provide humanitarian and reconstruction assistance and to support activities for ensuring security in Iraq. The squadron is the fifteenth team to be dispatched to Iraq and comprises approximately 210 members and three aircraft. In more than four years of the operation, the JASDF has made 739 flights and transported approximately 620 tons of supplies, as of July 23. Cobra Gold An SDF member undergoes medical training in a district of Thailand lacking health services. The Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces participated in the Cobra Gold multilateral exercise, held in Thailand from May 8 to 21. The annual joint exercise focusing on peace enforcement activities in regional conflicts, UN peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian assistance activities marked its twenty-seventh year in. In addition to Japan, participants included the United States, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. The SDF dispatched 70 members for its fourth Cobra Gold, taking part in command post exercises, training in the transport of Japanese nationals overseas, training for humanitarian and medical assistance, and other exercises. 4 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY

5 New Space Law Enacted dpa / PANA The Basic Law of Outer Space was enacted on May 21 with the passage of the bill by the House of Councillors. The law was established to promote policies for the development and use of outer space in a comprehensive and planned manner at a time when advances in science and technology have enhanced the importance of development and use of outer space. The legislation calls for development and use pursuant to the idea of pacifism of the Constitution of Japan and to contribute to peace and security of the international community and the security of Japan. On July 1 the Space and Maritime Security Policy Office was established inside the Ministry of Defense. The office will take a central role in considering various policies related to outer space. Assistance for the Toyako Summit The Group of Eight Hokkaido Toyako Summit was held on July 7 9. The Ministry of Defense provided assistance in transporting VIPs between New Chitose Airport and Toyako and other areas, conducted surveillance activities in surrounding waters and air space with MSDF destroyers and the GSDF helicopters airlifted leaders to and from summit venues. AWACS system, and enhanced the security of SDF facilities. To deal with contingencies, the state of preparedness of the Chemical Protection and other emergency units was enhanced. This is the first summit hosted by Japan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Given the lingering threat of terrorism, the Defense Ministry took every possible measure under the existing legal framework to be able to respond to any emergency. Dispatch of Staff Officers to Sudan Prime Minister Fukuda, right, and UN Secretary General Ban. (Jiji) Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda announced during a joint press conference with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on June 30 that SDF personnel would be dispatched as staff officers to the Headquarters of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). And on July 1 Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba instructed his chiefs of staff and other officials to make necessary preparations for the dispatch. The dispatch will help prevent Sudan from once again becoming a safe haven for terrorist organizations like al-qaeda, which used the country as a base of operations, and contribute to the stability of the Middle East and other regions at the frontline of the fight against terrorism. It will also enable closer cooperation with the G8 and Asia- Pacific countries that are strengthening their involvement in Africa. This is the first dispatch of SDF personnel for international peace cooperation activities in Africa after the 1994 refugee relief operation in Rwanda and the third overall. MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY 5

6 SPECIAL FEATURE Disaster Relief Activities in the Wake of the Iwate-Miyagi Quake The magnitude-7.2 Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake of June 14 caused great damage in both prefectures. Units mainly comprising members of the GSDF Northeastern Army were dispatched to the affected areas based on requests for emergency relief from the two prefectures governors. The Ministry of Defense set up a disaster liaison office immediately after the earthquake, and the Ground, Maritime, and Air SDF promptly launched informationgathering operations. Requests for emergency relief were made by the governors of Iwate and Miyagi s, following which all three SDF dispatched personnel to the affected areas. Collapsed roads hampered the transport of heavy equipment, but large-scale efforts were carried out to rescue trapped victims, search for those missing, and repair damaged roads. By July 21, some 26,000 SDF personnel, 8,000 vehicles, and 600 aircraft had been deployed in relief operations, rescuing approximately 350 people and conducting activities at various evacuation centers to supply 600 tons of drinking water While relief operations, such as provi- SDF is continuing to assist evacuees by and 20,000 meals and provide bathing sion of drinking water, meals, and bath aircraft to enable them to temporarily services for some 7,000 evacuees. services, were completed on July 21, the visit their homes. MSDF Vessel Makes First Visit to China The MSDF destroyer Sazanami made a port call at Zhanjiang in China s Guangdong Province on June 24. This was the first visit to China by an MSDF vessel, marking a major historic step in bilateral defense exchange. The visit was realized based on agreements made in a meeting last August between then Defense Minister Masahiko Koumura and then National Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, the bilateral summit meeting during Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda s visit to China in December, and the summit meeting in May this year. The visit was a response to the port call made by the Chinese guided missile destroyer Shenzhen to Japan in November last year. Sazanami carried blankets, emergency foodstuffs, and other relief supplies as gifts to the victims of the May 12 Sichuan earthquake. During the five-day stay, the crew members of the Sazanami engaged in a variety of exchange activities with the Zhanjiang residents were invited on board the Sazanami. (Aflo) members of the Shenzhen crew, including sporting events, mutual ship tours, and a joint concert of the military bands. Zhanjiang citizens were also invited on board to make a tour of the Sazanami. Minister Ishiba commented that the visit by the Sazanami has benefits not only for Japan and China but also for the peace and stability of the region by deepening a mutual understanding with China a very important neighbor in the defense field and reinforcing a relationship of trust. He also expressed his intention to actively promote a variety of defense exchange activities at diverse levels and in multiple fields. Providing Disaster Relief in the Wake of the Iwate-Miyagi Quake Iwate Akita Iwate Akita 397 Left: The ceremony marking the handing over of relief supplies for earthquake victims. Right: Crew members of the Sazanami and Shenzhen pose after a friendly game of soccer. The epicenter 398 Yamagata Miyagi 342 Mt.Kurikoma Recent Japan-China Defense Exchange 342 August Oushu City rescue activities Kurihara City road restoration bath services meal supply Yamagata water supply medical support 6 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY Miyagi Above: SDF personnel search for missing persons. Below: Bathing facilities were installed at various evacuation centers Visit to Japan by National Defense Minister Cao (for bilateral Defense Ministerial ) September 2007 Participation as an observer in the China-hosted military exercise Warrior-2007 November 2007 Visit to Japan by Chinese guided missile destroyer Shenzhen December 2007 Visit to China by Prime Minister Fukuda February Visit to China by Chief of the Joint Staff Takashi Saito March Visit to China by Vice Defense Minister Kohei Masuda May Visit to Japan by Chinese President Hu Jintao (for bilateral summit meeting) June Visit to China by MSDF destroyer Sazanami MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY 7

7 SPECIAL FEATURE Disaster Relief Activities in the Wake of the Iwate-Miyagi Quake The magnitude-7.2 Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake of June 14 caused great damage in both prefectures. Units mainly comprising members of the GSDF Northeastern Army were dispatched to the affected areas based on requests for emergency relief from the two prefectures governors. The Ministry of Defense set up a disaster liaison office immediately after the earthquake, and the Ground, Maritime, and Air SDF promptly launched informationgathering operations. Requests for emergency relief were made by the governors of Iwate and Miyagi s, following which all three SDF dispatched personnel to the affected areas. Collapsed roads hampered the transport of heavy equipment, but large-scale efforts were carried out to rescue trapped victims, search for those missing, and repair damaged roads. By July 21, some 26,000 SDF personnel, 8,000 vehicles, and 600 aircraft had been deployed in relief operations, rescuing approximately 350 people and conducting activities at various evacuation centers to supply 600 tons of drinking water While relief operations, such as provi- SDF is continuing to assist evacuees by and 20,000 meals and provide bathing sion of drinking water, meals, and bath aircraft to enable them to temporarily services for some 7,000 evacuees. services, were completed on July 21, the visit their homes. MSDF Vessel Makes First Visit to China The MSDF destroyer Sazanami made a port call at Zhanjiang in China s Guangdong Province on June 24. This was the first visit to China by an MSDF vessel, marking a major historic step in bilateral defense exchange. The visit was realized based on agreements made in a meeting last August between then Defense Minister Masahiko Koumura and then National Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan, the bilateral summit meeting during Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda s visit to China in December, and the summit meeting in May this year. The visit was a response to the port call made by the Chinese guided missile destroyer Shenzhen to Japan in November last year. Sazanami carried blankets, emergency foodstuffs, and other relief supplies as gifts to the victims of the May 12 Sichuan earthquake. During the five-day stay, the crew members of the Sazanami engaged in a variety of exchange activities with the Zhanjiang residents were invited on board the Sazanami. (Aflo) members of the Shenzhen crew, including sporting events, mutual ship tours, and a joint concert of the military bands. Zhanjiang citizens were also invited on board to make a tour of the Sazanami. Minister Ishiba commented that the visit by the Sazanami has benefits not only for Japan and China but also for the peace and stability of the region by deepening a mutual understanding with China a very important neighbor in the defense field and reinforcing a relationship of trust. He also expressed his intention to actively promote a variety of defense exchange activities at diverse levels and in multiple fields. Providing Disaster Relief in the Wake of the Iwate-Miyagi Quake Iwate Akita Iwate Akita 397 Left: The ceremony marking the handing over of relief supplies for earthquake victims. Right: Crew members of the Sazanami and Shenzhen pose after a friendly game of soccer. The epicenter 398 Yamagata Miyagi 342 Mt.Kurikoma Recent Japan-China Defense Exchange 342 August Oushu City rescue activities Kurihara City road restoration bath services meal supply Yamagata water supply medical support 6 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY Miyagi Above: SDF personnel search for missing persons. Below: Bathing facilities were installed at various evacuation centers Visit to Japan by National Defense Minister Cao (for bilateral Defense Ministerial ) September 2007 Participation as an observer in the China-hosted military exercise Warrior-2007 November 2007 Visit to Japan by Chinese guided missile destroyer Shenzhen December 2007 Visit to China by Prime Minister Fukuda February Visit to China by Chief of the Joint Staff Takashi Saito March Visit to China by Vice Defense Minister Kohei Masuda May Visit to Japan by Chinese President Hu Jintao (for bilateral summit meeting) June Visit to China by MSDF destroyer Sazanami MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY 7

8 SPOTLIGHT Interview with MSDF Chief of Staff Keiji Akahoshi How has your career evolved since joining the SDF? I entered the SDF in 1973 and was initially a pilot for the PS-1 amphibian. I subsequently piloted the P-3C patrol aircraft and was engaged in pilot missions until I became Commanding Officer, Air Patrol Squadron 3, in I have approximately 4,000 hours of total flight time, which is not that long, but I regard those hours as my treasure as a pilot. I was Commander, Fleet Air Wing 4, when the 9/11 terrorist attacks occurred. I felt firsthand how shocking it was for US military people. It usually took me about five minutes by car to get from my residence to headquarters, but on the day following the attacks, it took half a day due to security checks. What have been some of the most memorable experiences for you? I think the PS-1 years were the most formative for me in my career as a member of the MSDF. That was during the Cold War, and every day I was engaged in warning and surveillance activities of Soviet submarines. There were major accidents at the time that resulted in the death of 30 of my colleagues. This has made a lasting impression on me. I became fully aware of my responsibilities as an aircraft pilot through these experiences. In 2002, as Director of the Administration Department, Maritime Staff Office, I was in charge of organizing events for the fiftieth anniversary of the MSDF. We organized an international fleet review in Tokyo Bay, in which Russian naval vessels and a submarine took part. I recalled the days when I was pursuing Soviet submarines, and I was greatly impressed by the change of the times. How do you intend to accomplish your duties as chief of staff of the MSDF in the future? The mission of the MSDF has significantly broadened in recent years, from operations in response to suspicious vessels and missile tests by North Korea to replenishment activities in the Indian Ocean. At the same time there have been occurrences of embarrassing incidents, such as information leaks and accidents resulting from carelessness. If they are attributed to imbalances between the content and volume of our work and the quality and quantity of our personnel, we ll need to rectify that. There might be a need to review our educational methods. I think one of my important tasks is to realize the rebirth of the MSDF by filling the gap between an ideal picture of the MSDF and the current status. Another big task is to publicize the necessity and attractive features of the MSDF. INFORMATION The following six SDF athletes will participate in the Beijing Olympic Games. Yoshihiro Murakami (31) Ensign, MSDF (modern pentathlon) Toshikazu Yamashita (31) First lieutenant, GSDF (10 m air rifle, 50 m rifle: prone, 50 m rifle: three positions) Kenzo Kato (27) First lieutenant, GSDF (wrestling: Greco-Roman 96 kg) Masatsugu Kawachi (22) Sergeant first class, GSDF (boxing:light-welterweight) Ken Takakuwa (23) Sergeant first class, GSDF (swimming: 200 m individual medley) Yasunobu Sekikawa (28) sergeant, GSDF (weightlifting 56 kg) 8 MINISTRY OF DEFENSE JAPAN DEFENSE FOCUS / JULY