and Japanese armed forces closely cooperating, the public view of the alliance tends to be that of frequent visits between political leaders or ministers. Even with the alliance, instead of images of U.S. ![]() Instead of seeing the sacrifices SDF families are forced to make or of SDF training to defend Japan against Chinese aggression, the main image of the SDF is one of nonmilitary disaster relief. Yet, the Japanese public tends to receive a largely sanitized view of the SDF and the alliance. This respect is particularly strong from its U.S. ![]() It is widely respected as a modern armed force fielding advanced defense capabilities. And when given multiple options for what they think the role of the SDF is, the largest response is disaster relief operations, not defending the country from external threats.Īlthough Japan does not call the SDF a military, externally, it is viewed as such. In this situation, does the Japanese public fully appreciate what the SDF would be expected to do?Īccording to surveys conducted by the Cabinet Office, a large majority of the Japanese public maintain a positive opinion of the SDF, but a majority also believe the current defense capabilities of the SDF are sufficient and do not need to be strengthened. If so, the Self-Defense Forces will be called upon to defend the country. While it may be unthinkable, it is possible that someday China will use force against Japan. ![]() China's increased military activity against Taiwan and recent passage of a law that allows the Chinese coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships that Beijing sees as illegally entering its waters is a reminder that Japan's security environment is not getting any safer.
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