The Japan News
Friday, July 26, 2013
Although a pair of Maritime
Self-Defense Force destroyers have been dispatched off the coast of
Somalia, participating in antipiracy missions could negatively impact
the MSDF’s operations. A total of up to six vessels will need to
be reassigned from their regular duties in order to escort commercial
ships in a seamless manner. The four additional ships include two that
will leave Japan for Somali waters to replace the currently dispatched
destroyers. The other two will be retasked with antipiracy training in
Japan.
The MSDF has 48 destroyers. However, a senior MSDF
official said, “Because we have to remain vigilant and continue
surveillance activities in the East China Sea, where China has stepped
up its military presence, it’s very difficult for us to send that many
vessels.”
Some opposition party lawmakers and observers have said
there is a constitutional problem with the MSDF’s participation in
Combined Task Force 151. Article 9 of the Constitution is interpreted as
prohibiting the use of force overseas, as well as the Self-Defense
Forces’ participation in multilateral operations to use force.
The Defense Ministry’s stance is that dealing with the crime of piracy
does not constitute “the use of force,” but “the use of police
authority.” Regarding the CTF, a senior SDF official said it is not an
armed military force, adding, “No compulsory power is involved in the
command relationship during operations.”
While the MSDF’s
antipiracy missions have been prolonged, the government is also taking
measures to combat piracy through stabilizing Somalia, where many
pirates are based.
After the anarchy that followed Somalia’s
civil war in 1991, a unified government was finally established in 2012
with the help of the international community. Through the work of
international organizations, Tokyo has supported Somalia with such
efforts as strengthening its police force and offering job training for
young people. The government will soon resume direct support for
Somalia, as well as help enhance the maritime police capabilities of
neighboring countries such as Djibouti.
However, it is likely that MSDF vessels will continue to be dispatched
for the forseeable future as such efforts will take time to bear fruit.