Tokyo sued over bid to reinterpret Constitution AFP-JIJI Jul 11, 2014 The central government was slapped with a lawsuit on Friday over the Cabinet’s decision to expand the scope of the Self-Defense Forces, a divisive move that sparked protests at home and drew sharp criticism from China. The legal action filed with the Tokyo District Court seeks to block the Cabinet’s decision last week to reinterpret the war-renouncing Constitution, which banned the use of armed force except in narrowly defined circumstances. Tokinao Chindo, 75, a former civil servant in Mie Prefecture, said he sued as the move violates the pacifist Constitution, which is believed to be the first action of its kind. “I hope other Japanese people will follow suit and file legal actions nationwide,” Chindo said. The change would let Japanese troops come to the aid of allies — primarily the United States — if they come under armed attack, even if Japan is not the object of the attack. The dramatic shift comes amid soaring regional tensions with China, centering on disputed islands in both the South China and East China seas. Beijing warned against the move, saying it opens the door to remilitarization of a country that is not sufficiently penitent for its actions in World War II. However, Australia and the United States, which have long encouraged Japan to take on more of a role in a lopsided defense treaty, backed the decision. Abe’s move has caused anger at home, where the pacifism on which the Constitution is built is an article of faith for many Japanese. At least half the population opposes a more aggressive military stance, according to recent newspaper polls. japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/07/11/national/politics-diplomacy/tokyo-sued-over-defense-shift/#.U8AUoLSKAqQ
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 00:10:17 +0000
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