My Take | Can two key constitutions help preserve peace in Asia?
- Strong constitutionalism in Japan and Taiwan still favours the status quo despite attempts by powerful politicians and their US backers to chip away at pacifism and the one-China policy respectively
Despite war cries and militant agitation from powerful Japanese politicians, the general population remains almost evenly divided over the constitutional guarantee of a pacifist Japan. That’s according to the latest poll conducted by Kyodo News. The results are virtually unchanged from a similar poll carried out a year ago, despite the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
Meanwhile, it’s worth remembering that short of a coup, the government of Taiwan and the ruling party cannot unilaterally declare independence. Despite all the belligerent rhetoric from Washington and Beijing, and provocative moves from Taipei, there likely needs to be a referendum before any constitutional amendment can be made towards the island’s independence. This is because the very principle of “one China” is enshrined throughout the text of the Taiwanese constitution, which refers to the “Republic of China”, rather than Taiwan.
Strong constitutionalism in Taiwan and Japan may yet help save the day and preserve peace.
Japan’s constitution
“Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes. In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognised.” – Article 9
Ahead of Japan’s Constitution Memorial Day on Tuesday, the new poll found that 50 per cent of Japanese aged 18 or older said it was necessary to revise Article 9, while 48 per cent said it was not. A year ago, the respective figures were 51 per cent in favour of an amendment and 45 per cent against. So, despite all the alarmism from many mainstream Japanese politicians and from Western capitals about the threats posed by Russia and China, the general population is unfussed. This is not to mention ongoing missile tests by North Korea.
Despite former prime minister Shinzo Abe’s push for “clarification” on the constitutionality of the country’s defence force, many Japanese are still comfortable with the long-standing interpretation of Article 9 that it’s okay to maintain a military for self-defence. Therefore, no amendment is necessary.