December 3, 2004 :: Yomiuri Shimbun :: News
The Associated Press reports that Japan is considering developing “long-range” ballistic missiles, in “an apparent reversal of post-World War II policy.” With such a “long-range weapon, Japan would have the capability of making a preemptive strike in foreign territory, raising concerns of a shift toward a more assertive policy.”
The purposes of such a development, however, appear to be different. The reporting distortions would seem to paint Japan as an aggressor in the region, when in fact the recent move points strongly to the increasing threats posed by North Korea and China.
The Japanese Kyodo and Yomiuri Shimbun news services recently reported on a draft outline for Japanese priorities over the next five years produced by the Japanese Defense Agency. The document apparently recommends research into surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with the capability of a few hundred kilometers and the ability to target installations used by potential enemies during an invasion of Japan.
Two points should be made about the suggested missile development.
» Dec. 3: Associated Press report, suggesting Japanese aggression
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