Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 15:00 - 16:00
Japan's Security Situation
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation
The region around Japan has been plunged into a great deal of uncertainty. China is becoming increasingly assertive in the Asia-Pacific region, and North Korea's missiles and nuclear tests have led Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to say that the threat from the reclusive Stalinist state has reached a new level.
The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has cast uncertainty over how America will respond, bringing into focus the role of Japan's de facto military, the Self-Defense Forces. Indeed, Abe has responded with a fresh push to change the pacifist constitution by 2020 to recognize the existence of Japan's armed forces -- an issue that has long divided voters.
Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, the head of Japan's Joint Chiefs of Staff, will come to the club to explain this worsening security environment and potential threats from China, North Korea and Islamic terrorism. Among the key issues he will discuss is Japan's changing role in its long-standing military alliance with the U.S.
Kawano is the highest serving officer in the SDF after serving in various positions in the Maritime Self-Defense Force, where he rose to become the chief of staff.
Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website (still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.
Professional Activities Committee
