OPINION

Japan policy riles critics

News, Editorial, Published on 23/09/2015

» The decision by the Japanese government to give itself new defence privileges has advantages but they are outweighed by the negative. On one hand, the new security package will allow Japan to better assume a balanced role in the world. For 70 years since World War Two ended, the country has been unable to take part in conflicts. Yet Japan remains a very special case, particularly in Asia. Overall, Tokyo's long-time refusal to address its war-time actions honestly will now turn the new defence policies against the country.