Sleeping dogs: constitutional reform proposal risks splitting LDP

Article Abstract:

The proposal of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to form a non-partisan panel which would consider revisions to the Japanese Constitution could cause adivision within its ranks. While the LDP includes in its party platform the revision of the constitution, the Social Democratic Party stands against any constitutional amendments. A prominent issue in the constitutional debate is the proposed lifting of the self-imposed ban on involvement in military action.It has been surmised that the LDP could be using the issue of reform to divide the opposition.

Liberal Democratic Party (Japan)

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The vanishing threat

Article Abstract:

Japanese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa intends to scrutinize the 1991 to 1995 Medium-Term Defence Plan. His ultimate goal is to reduce the military budget by $800 million in response to the diminished Soviet military threat in the region. However, Miyazawa's defense plans produced varied reactions from different sectors. Japan's major opposition parties, which include the Social Democratic Party and the Komei Party, favor the planned reduction in defense spending, while the Defense Agency headed by Sohei Miyashita rejects it.

Planning, Public opinion, Defense spending, Miyazawa, Kiichi

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The Ozawa game plan

Article Abstract:

Liberal Democratic Party acting chairman Ichiro Ozawa believes the Japanese military should take a more active role in international security. In order not to violate constitutional provisions that limits the role Japanese military forces may play in the international arena, Ozawa proposes to amend the constitution. An increased role for Japan means participation in collective security arrangements, as well as in future multinational military actions against other countries.

Political activity, Armed forces in foreign countries, Japanese, Ozawa, Ichiro

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