The debate in the current Diet session, unlike previous sessions that focused on economic problems, highlights security issues. Among the key subjects of discussion are the bills to implement the new guidelines for Japan-U.S. defense cooperation and the participation and cooperation of the Self-Defense Forces in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
The need for a hard-hitting security debate is obvious, given the continued instability in the post-Cold War world, and especially in East Asia, where tension is mounting over the missile test-firing by North Korea and over its suspected underground nuclear facility. This is an opportune time to thrash out the security issues Japan faces.
Giving further impetus to the security debate is a security policy agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Liberal Party, which the partners in the coalition government established earlier last month. Their agreement calls for, among other things, an early enactment of the implementing bills for the guidelines and a more active SDF role in U.N. peace activities.