Since taking office in mid-September, Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has repeatedly asserted that he will pursue 'equality' in Tokyo's diplomatic and security relations with the US.
Beyond contending that he would 'actively make proposals' on the Japan-US alliance, Hatoyama has not explained what his government will do to achieve that 'equality'. Here, then, are 10 things Japan can do to put its alliance with the US on an equal footing.
Take full responsibility for its own defence. That would require an amendment to the famed Article 9 of its constitution, which forbids Japan from the 'use of force as a means of settling international disputes'.
Emphasise naval forces to project power into the ocean and particularly south to the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea that are vital to the flow of oil and other resources to Japan.
Revise the Japan-US security treaty to oblige Japan to come to the defence of the US, just as the US is obliged to help defend Japan.
Quadruple defence spending to US$200 billion a year, to bring it up to 4 per cent of gross national product, the same ratio as that in the US. Taxes would need to be raised, as Japan spends only 1 per cent of its GNP on defence.
Enlarge the Self-Defence Force to 880,000 men and women from the present 240,000, which would be commensurate with the nation's population, as in the US. The force has long had difficulty filling its ranks with recruits so Japan might need to resort to conscription.
