What Is The Issue?

• ROK Opposition to Abe’s Proposal to Expand Article 9 of Japanese “Peace Constitution”ARTICLE 9. Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and 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. (2) 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 recognized.

• Why? - ROK Suspicious of Japan Military Resurgence

- Upset at continued Japanese refusal to apologize for WWII actions

Potential ROK Policies to Address Issue

• Lobby US to pressure Japan not to change constitution

• Increased mil-to-mil relations w/Japan to decrease apprehension

• Good faith negotiations to resolve Dokdo/Takeshima issue- Possible Administrative

Island Sharing?

Possible ROK Courses of Actions

• Least Likely- Cut off diplomatic ties

• Could Happen- Collective Self-Defense Agreement with Japan

• Most Likely- Increased mil-to-mil exchanges to provide transparency to Japanese intentions