Washington’s wrong choice for Asia security

The United States supports Japan’s military expansion through the revision of its post-World War II peace constitution that enables Japan to exercise a right to “collective self-defense,” which allows the country’s military to send troops to an ally under threat. It’s the result of having common interests between Washington and Tokyo. America can ease its security burden in Asia and at the same time Japanese right-wing politicians led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe watch for a chance to revive militarism. This movement is causing strained relations with China and Korea.

The United States must consider that the revival of Japanese militarism and nationalism might become a two-edged sword. Though Abe has repeatedly expressed his support for the U.S.-Japan alliance, Japanese ruling circles have their own independent interests and have never given up their ambition to make Japan the dominant power in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States should not forget the teachings of the Pacific War. The support for the rearming of Japan is an anachronistic and shortsighted policy.

* Na Hye-in Student at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies