일본의 집단적 자위권 추구와 우리의 대응방향

Abstract

The issue of Japan’s Collective Self-Defense has been controversial since 1990s. In a broad sense, the right of Collective Self-Defense is the right to use armed strength to stop armed attack on a foreign country with which it has close relations. In the ‘New Guide Lines’ between Japan and the United States of 1960, Japan clarified that it possesses and maintains the right of Collective Self-Defense. It is, however, not permissible to exercise the right to stop armed attack on another country with armed strength since it exceeds the limit of use of armed strength as permitted under Article 9 of the Constitution. Meanwhile, due to changes in circumstances such as the end of the Cold War, decades-long economic slump, rapid growth of Chinese economy and military and North Korean threat, Japan now stands at the crossroads. While Japan, under the Yoshida Doctrine, placed highest national priority on economic development, simultaneously keeping a low diplomatic and military profile, changed international circumstance has urged Japan to play a more active role for peace in the region and world. Japan has also responded to such demand since the Gulf war in 1991. In this regard, Japan has steadily developed its armed strength and pursued the exercise of the right of Collective Self-Defense with the support of the United States. Based on the ‘New Guide Lines’ in 1997, Japan has pursued a constitutional amendment to expand the geographical scope of use of Self-Defense Forces(SDF) and the role of SDF. Japan’s such movement is stimulating its neighbors. Considering its recent outrageous remarks that distorted history and territorial disputes with its neighbors, Japan’s rearmament poses a serious threat to the regional security. Korea, therefore, needs to look dispassionately at Japan’s movement in order to secure its interest in the region.