Between fear and hope on Japan’s new defence policy

Authors: Wendy Prajuli & Nur Alia Pariwita

The Japanese lower house has approved bills to revise Japan’s security architecture, bringing longstanding debates about Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s proposal on collective self-defence to a head.

The security legislation has met widespread opposition within Japan. In June 2014, for example, a man self-immolated in Tokyo to protest Japan’s proposed collective self-defence policy. But, despite such strong opposition from members of the Japanese public, Abe has obtained the support of the lower house. He now only needs approval from the upper house to pass the bills into law.

Questioning the effectiveness of the Guidelines for Implementation of DOC

In July 2011 ASEAN members and China agreed on guidelines for implementation of DOC (The Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea). On the document, it says “these guidelines are to guide the implementation of possible joint cooperative activities, measures and projects as provided for in the DOC.”  Later, one of the provisions says “the parties to the DOC will continue to promote dialogue and consultations in accordance with the spirit of the DOC.”

Those indicate that the guidelines are aimed to improve cooperation and reduce tension in South China Sea. So, will the guidelines be effective to gain the aims? To answer this question let’s take a look at some cases happened in South China Sea after the guidelines signed.