Quote:
Originally posted by Spanky
It seems that the Japanese now don't think that SDI is all that stupid. One wonders when the liberals in this country will come around. Maybe when North Korea launches a missile over our airspace.
Tokyo approves anti-missile bill
Friday, July 22, 2005; Posted: 1:56 a.m. EDT (05:56 GMT)
TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Japan's parliament has passed legislation giving the country's defense chief the authority to shoot down incoming missiles without approval from the prime minister or Cabinet.
The bill was approved by the upper house in a 126-94 vote. It passed the more powerful lower house last month, meaning the legislation will be enacted.
Japan's postwar pacifist constitution renounces the use of force to settle international disputes, but Tokyo has recently become increasingly concerned about possible threats posed by North Korea.
Tokyo is jointly researching a missile defense system with the United States, and Defense Agency chief Yoshinori Ono said Tuesday that Washington had agreed to let Japan manufacture new Patriot missile systems under license.
He said the two countries signed an agreement in March allowing Japan to produce Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, missiles for planned deployment during fiscal 2006. The missiles are designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and enemy aircraft.
Worries in Japan about North Korea have risen as the communist country moves ahead with its nuclear weapons programs. A top North Korean official told a U.S. television network last month that his government is building more nuclear bombs and is able to mount nuclear warheads on its missiles.
North Korea has test-fired short-range missiles many times in the past. In 2003, it launched short-range land-to-ship missiles at least three times during a period of heightened tensions over its nuclear weapons program.
North Korea shocked Japan in 1998 by blasting a Taepodong-1 missile over its territory and into the Pacific Ocean. The North said it was an attempt to put a satellite in orbit.
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Have the Rs proposed such legislation? Would it be the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of Homeland Security?
Honestly, I have never heard of such a proposal. It seems like it's the President who makes the call here.
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