Japan Assures Rice That It Has No Nuclear Intentions
(2006.10.18 NYT)
Japan, which elected a new government last month that has embraced a hawkish nationalism, has the know-how to move rapidly, if it chooses, toward building a nuclear arsenal. Some officials have said the nation should debate the subject, but have stopped short of calling for a nuclear program.
But given the legacy of World War II and constitutional restrictions that limit Japan’s military to a defensive force, just thinking about a nuclear arsenal is a significant change.
このように「核保有の可能性を議論する」ことだけでも周囲にかなりの議論を巻き起こすわけで、「じゃあ、実際に持ったらもっと発言力が増すだろう」と将軍様はお考えになられたんでしょう。
注目されると自分の実力を勘違いする、ということが国レベルで起きるとろくな事はない、というのは(日本を代表に)歴史が示しているのですが・・・
核不拡散に熱心に取り組めば取り組むほど逆に「核カード」の力は強まってしまうという難しさがありますね。
それから、小泉政権と安倍政権のこういう対比のさせ方もあるんだな、ということで同じ記事からご参考。
In recent years, under former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Japan shed several other longtime taboos by deploying troops to Iraq and taking part in the American plans for a missile-defense shield.
Upon becoming prime minister last month, Mr. Abe said his priorities would be to revise the United States-imposed pacifist Constitution.