HONOLULU -- Japan's economic security depends on safe and secure passage of its oil imports and trade through the Malacca/Singapore Straits and the South China Sea. Yet a recent upsurge in piracy, "creeping" jurisdiction and possible conflict between rival claimants in the Spratly Islands threaten these sea lanes.
To combat piracy in these waters, it has been proposed that Japan lead the formation and coordination of a regional multinational anti-piracy force. But bitter memories in the region of Japan's brutal wartime occupation and domestic resistance in Japan to an overseas military role are major obstacles to carrying out the proposal.
To avoid a dominant and objectionable presence, Japan has suggested that its participating ships be drawn from its civilian-controlled coast guard rather than from its navy. And Tokyo has invited other participants to join the force, including China, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.