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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
TOKYO, April 1 (Xinhua) — Demonstrations took place in Japan on Tuesday evening, with citizens expressing strong opposition to the government's decision to deploy long-range missiles in the country.
Earlier in the day, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi told reporters that long-range missiles that could be used for a retaliatory strike had been deployed in Kumamoto and Shizuoka prefectures, sparking outrage in the country.
According to Japanese media, the Ministry of Defense has deployed upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles at the Kengun base in Kumamoto and high-speed glide vehicles at the Fuji base in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The Kyodo News Agency writes that the deployment of the missiles has given Japan the ability to retaliate for the first time, signaling a departure from the purely defense policy enshrined in the Constitution.
Despite the heavy rain, large crowds gathered outside the Ministry of Defense building in Tokyo. They chanted slogans such as "Stop the deployment of long-range missiles!" "Give the people a rational explanation!" and "No preparations for war!"
"In recent years, the Japanese government has frequently invoked the so-called 'East Asian crisis' and 'unforeseen circumstances in Taiwan,' constantly inciting chaos, but we don't understand where these crises come from," protester Hiromi Yamazaki told Xinhua. He said the missile deployment reveals "the dangerous nature of the Japanese government."
Another protester, Ikeda, said the missile deployment prioritizes military expansion, completely ignoring residents' concerns. Protester Kazuya Tsukamoto added that this issue wasn't a key topic in the recent House of Representatives elections, and its resolution was apparently rushed through to present the public with a fait accompli. He called this approach "extremely unreasonable."
A protester from Ibaraki Prefecture expressed concern that missiles could be deployed near her home, where a Self-Defense Forces base is located. She noted that such a move could be unconstitutional and expressed concerns about its broader implications.
Local media reported that residents living near the Kengun and Fuji bases also staged protests demanding the missiles' withdrawal. Near Fuji base, one demonstrator angrily accused the government of breaking promises to local residents and taking action without even holding explanatory meetings.
Masahiro Sakata, former Director-General of the Cabinet Office's Legislative Affairs Bureau, stated that, in accordance with Article 9 of the Constitution, the country should only possess the military capability necessary for self-defense. However, he noted that, due to the gradual easing of restrictions on collective self-defense, Japan can now use force even in cases where it is not directly under attack.
Masahiro Sakata warned that the deployment of long-range missiles allows Japan to strike foreign targets. He argued that Article 9 of the Constitution has now become a virtual empty phrase.
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