Will you send the Self-Defense Forces? Japan's choice is 9:59 on September 12

18 years since 2001 "Terrorist attacks in the United States (9.11)".

During this time, the Self-Defense Forces dispatched overseas expanded the scope of activities by refueling activities in the Indian Ocean and humanitarian reconstruction support activities in Iraq.
Now, once again, the question of whether to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces is questioned over freedom of navigation in the Middle East and the Holmes Strait.

Allied America and traditional friendship Iran.
To that point, I wondered what options Japan could choose.
(Yamatake, Soyo Chichi)

Raid while visiting the prime minister

June. A tanker and another ship operated by a Japanese shipping company was attacked by someone near the Holmes Strait in the Middle East. The image of flames and black smoke rising from the center of the hull was widely reported in the media of each country.

At this time, Prime Minister Abe visited Iran for the first time in 41 years as the Prime Minister of Japan.

In the midst of the deepening conflict between the United States and Iran, things happened shortly after finishing the meeting with Supreme Leader Hamenei to alleviate the tension.

“Japan imports 62% of its crude oil via the Strait of Holmes. Why are we defending this transportation route that is not rewarded for other countries? All countries have their own ships I should protect it. ''
Shortly after the tanker attack, President Trump of the United States expressed his frustration with his own Twitter over the security of the Holmes Strait.

President Trump stressed Iran's involvement in tanker attacks.
Iran denied this, and while tensions between the two countries further increased, the United States announced its policy to form a “voluntary alliance” with allies to secure the security of the waters around the Holmes Strait.

Japan was named President Trump, and it was once again called for a role in the Middle East.

"Show the Flag"

Japan has been asked to take action from the United States several times. Every time I was forced to make a decision.

September 11, 2001, 18 years ago.

“Simultaneous terrorist attacks in the United States”, in which several hijacked aircraft plunged into the World Trade Center building in New York and the Department of Defense in the suburbs of Washington.

At this time, the US also called on Japan to take action.

At that time, President Bush of the United States urged the countries to clarify their attitudes to the fight against terrorism, urging that "Each country is on the terror side or the US side."

In response, Prime Minister Koizumi responded that “I will fulfill my responsibility as a member of the international community”. The “Terrorism Countermeasures Measures Law” was enacted, and the Maritime Self-Defense Forces were dispatched to the Indian Ocean to carry out logistical support activities using supply ships.

"Show the Flag", that is, "Show the flag"
While attention was focused on remarks made by senior American government officials, Japan made the flagpole clearer in response to the US call.

"Boots on the ground"

In 2003, the United States and other countries formed a multinational army against Iraq who refused to inspect weapons of mass destruction based on UN Security Council resolutions.
At this time, the United States called on Japan to take concrete actions. The American attitude was expressed as “boots on the ground”. In short, “send land units”.

Japan enacts the “Iraq Humanitarian Rehabilitation Support Special Measures Law” and dispatches the Ground Self Defense Force.

We conducted humanitarian reconstruction support activities in Samawa, southern Iraq, including the restoration of public facilities such as medical care, water supply, and schools.

Criticism of the law “no longer stopped” at every dispatch

As the Self-Defense Forces expanded their activities overseas, the law related to security was enacted in 2015, and the exercise of collective self-defense rights was partially accepted.

The situation that has an important impact on Japan's peace and security is positioned as a “significant impact” and it has been clarified that there are no geographical restrictions.

Through parliamentary deliberations, critics have been criticized by opposition parties and others for "there will be no stop for overseas dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces".

According to a series of laws, the GSDF facility unit dispatched to South Sudan was given a mission such as `` rushing guard '' for relief when UN officials were attacked. Protection has been carried out.

These activities have been positioned as part of strengthening the Japan-US alliance and international contribution by the Self-Defense Forces.
So what should we think about this case?

“This time, it ’s a defense of maritime traffic.”

“This case is different from 9/11”

Mr. Katsutoshi Kohno, former Director of the Defense Department, who has served as the Chief of Staff of the Self-Defense Forces for more than four years, is now advised by the Ministry of Defense.

“At the time of the Afghanistan conflict, first of all, the United States suffered damage, so the international community was established in support of the United States, and Japan was also added. At the time of the Gulf War 10 years ago, Japan “Too Little, Too Late”, that is, a trauma that has received a very rigorous reputation for being too little and too slow.
9.11 is said to be “Show the Flag”, but in the sense of “raising the flag”, it was quick. ”

“This time, it ’s a story about how to protect Japan ’s national interests. It ’s not about talking to the international community and saying,“ We ​​’ll be isolated if we do n’t do it. If it should be done at the discretion of Japan and it is beneficial for the Volunteer Union to protect Japan's sea lanes (= maritime traffic routes), it can be used on the contrary. "

What are the options for dispatching?

The government is studying options that can be considered by both the United States and Iran, including the pros and cons of dispatching the Self-Defense Forces.

▼ "Survey / Research"
Based on the Ministry of Defense Establishment Law.
The law stipulates that “to conduct necessary research and research” in order to carry out all operations of the Ministry of Defense, including Japanese defense and security. This is the basis for the SDF to perform regular “warning and surveillance” in the waters around Japan.
However, because the purpose is limited, there is a limit to cooperation with tanker escorts and countries participating in volunteer associations. There is also a possibility of debate in terms of “stopping” the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces.

▼ "Marine Security Action"
Based on the Self-Defense Forces Act.
As the SDF exercises police power, ships and patrol aircraft are dispatched to enable escort and surveillance activities such as Japanese register and foreign register that transports Japanese cargo. You can also conduct on-site inspections on suspicious ships. There are no geographical restrictions.
However, the scope of guarding is limited to ships related to Japan, and issues remain in cooperation with other countries, such as the “voluntary association”, and the use of weapons is limited to cases where it is reasonably necessary.

▼ "Countermeasures against pirates"
Based on anti-piracy law.
“Marine security behavior” is limited to anti-piracy measures, and it is possible to protect ships from other countries after limiting the sea area. In addition, when a pirate ship approaches with ignoring the warning, it is possible to quickly perform shooting for stopping the ship. Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers and patrol aircraft are dispatched to Gulf of Aden in Africa.
On the other hand, because it is a pirate, it cannot respond to warships or ships owned by governments in other countries.

▼ "Important impacts"
Based on the Critical Impact Situation Act.
If the situation is more tense and is recognized as a “significant impact” that will have an important impact on Japan's peace and security, it will be possible to conduct refueling and other logistical support activities for foreign troops such as the US military It becomes.
Although there are no geographical restrictions, it is necessary to decide the basic plan in advance by the cabinet and obtain approval from the Diet. It does not include escorts for ships related to Japan.

Former Self-Defense Force top

What is the most realistic of these options?
Mr. Kono, who has led an escort ship and has been active in the Middle East, points out that “maritime guard behavior” is the best in the current legal system.

“What is most appropriate under the current law is maritime security. Because it is a law that can protect the life and property of the people involved in Japan when it is threatened. Other countries cannot protect, Use is very limited, but you can do it. ''

“At this stage, Japanese tankers are not exposed to dangerous situations, so I think that“ information gathering ”is a good way to do it, but I ca n’t escort them. Since it cannot be protected by “Research”, it is necessary to switch to something like maritime guard action at that time.Also at “9.11”, as a previous step, go to “Survey / Research” and then refueling based on the Special Measures Law Switching "

Ship operator "Now is not the time"

But to what extent is the current situation of the Holmes Strait?

Defense Minister Iwaya pointed out, “If there is a significant hindrance to navigation, we have to think about how quickly we can respond, but at this stage we are not in that situation.”

A Defense Ministry official said, “I don't think there is a need for dispatch now.”

So how does the ship operator navigating the Strait of Holmes perceive the current situation?

Akira Omori, managing director of the Japan Shipowners Association, who is in charge of analyzing the situation for the safe operation of the ship, said, “The tanker attack in June was a shock, but it has since calmed down.”

“It was a big impact in that sense as a Japanese ship was damaged. It was possible to navigate away from Iran as much as possible, speed up, or strengthen the security system on the ship. And it continues. ''

“However, in the situation where the criminals and purpose of the attack are not known, since June, there has been no lull or any special damage. If you say“ Do you feel tremendous danger? ” , "Beware,"

When Mr. Omori decided to deal with pirates, pirates frequently appeared in aggressive manners, so private ships could not handle it, and "the industry requested a dispatch to ensure safety." On the other hand, he points out that “the situation is different now compared to that time”.

“Securing sea lanes, or the safety of seafarers, hulls, and other things threatened the Gulf of Aden at a time when the Self-Defense Forces were dealing with pirates. The situation is no. "The Self-Defense Forces cannot say" I need "or" I don't need ", but if I judge the situation comprehensively, it's not the time yet "

“Abe Administration's Values” Visible in Judgment

The Holmes Strait continues to be in a state of lull, but 80% of the crude oil imported into Japan passes through this strait, but the energy security risk remains.
What is the key to judgment between allies and friendly countries?

“Since the Gulf War, the Self-Defense Forces have been deployed in various countries, including PKO. So, when the Holmes Strait is in a critical situation, Japanese people should probably do it themselves. I feel that I want to protect my national interests in my own country, and I think Japan should rely on the US after the war.

“Without knowing the scheme of“ voluntary association ”, the shipowners' association cannot be said to be yes or no. However, in my personal opinion, the participation in the“ voluntary association ”and the relationship between the United States and Iran are alleviated. `` I think the latter is definitely the latter when it comes to international contributions to avoid escalation. ''

In NHK's public opinion survey in August, 22% for “Send”, 32% for “Population”, and 37% for “Neither” is about sending the Self-Defense Forces to the Volunteer Union.

The government intends to continue its diplomatic efforts, such as coordinating Prime Minister Abe's summit meeting with Iran's President Rouhani in line with the UN General Assembly in late September.

The government's judgment on the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces may reveal the values ​​that the Abe administration values.

Satoshi Yamagata, reporter of the political department
Joined in 2009. After working at the Aomori Bureau, became a political department. After working for the Ministry of Education and the Opposition Party, in charge of the Ministry of Defense. My hobby is futsal.

Political Department Reporter Soyo Soyo
Joined in 2011. After working for Otsu and Chiba, moved to the political department. After the prime minister, in charge of the Ministry of Defense. My hobby is Maldives.