Japan Marks 69th Self Defence Forces Day Reiterating Diplomacy As First Pillar For Peace, Security

By Rukku A

KUALA LUMPUR, July 6: The Japanese Embassy in Malaysia marked Japan’s 69th Self Defence Forces Day with a reception at the embassy here on Wednesday, reiterating its stand of holding diplomatic capabilities as the first pillar for peace and security in its defence strategy.

In his welcome speech, Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko, said that while Japan renewed its security documents last December, which highlighted the need to reinforce Japan’s defence capabilities in response to current security environment surrounding the country, the country’s basic approach has never changed with diplomacy remaining its core approach.

“Ever since the Self-Defence Forces, or SDF, took its present composition in 1954 under the current peaceful constitution, SDF has consistently strived to build trust as the organisation responsible for maintenance of peace and security of Japan. The path SDF has walked was never flat and smooth, but through tenacious efforts, SDF now has obtained wide-ranging understanding and support both domestically and internationally.”

He also while the media tended to pay attention to issues of counterstrike capability and security budget increases, diplomatic capabilities remained within its stragegy of self defence.

Addressing a crowd of more than 100 guests, including Major Gen Dato Khairul Anuar bin Abd Aziz,
Assistant Chief of Staff Defence Operations and Training, ambassadors as well as members of the armed forces and members of military attache corps, Takahashi highlighted issues facing the world.

“One of the most severe and pressing security challenges that the world is now facing is Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The very foundations of the international order is shaken. We need to work together to overcome the challenges.

“Looking to the East China Sea, we continue to witness unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in violation of international law. Japan is taking a firm stand against such attempts together with like-minded countries.

“In order to maintain safety and security in Asia, we should see security environment through the framework of the two oceans, with Southeast Asia at the centre. Japan Self Defence Forces can work together with its counterparts in ASEAN to implement AOIP that shares fundamental principles with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

Takahashi also spoke of the good relations enjoyed by Malaysia and Japan, including their cooperation in bilateral defence, with the latest bilateral MoU signed in 2018.

“Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, defence exchanges are returning to previous levels. Japan Maritime SDF and Royal Malaysian Navy exchanged visits of ships. Last year, the current Chief of Navy, Admiral (Tan Sri Abdul) Rahman, came to Japan on Frigate KD Kelantan’s visit. This year, Japan’s Frigate Kumano was reviewed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at LIMA, Langkawi.”

He also spoke of the various military personnel exchanges and trainings between the two countries.

“I hope these exchanges will create environment to further facilitate defence collaboration and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific in this challenging security environment.”

The event on Wednesday also marked the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year.

–WE