Election won’t alter Japan-US alliance: Commander

TOKYO — The top commander for U.S. troops in Japan brushed off any possible doubts Tuesday about the durability of the U.S.-Japan security alliance, even if next month’s parliamentary elections put a different party in power.

Lt. Gen. Edward Rice said the bilateral defense alliance, in effect since the end of World War II, has continued without problems over several changes of administrations in the U.S., and so it should be no different for Japan.

“I believe that regardless of whom the people of Japan choose as their next government, the fundamental pillars of our alliance will remain strong,” Rice said at the Japan National Press Center. “I am confident that the alliance will continue to survive for many, many years into the future.”

The pro-U.S. Liberal Democrats have ruled Japan almost continuously for the last half-century, but are falling out of favor with a public disenchanted with the economic slump and a gaffe-prone prime minister.

The opposition Democratic Party is threatening to seize power in the Aug. 30 nationwide parliamentary elections, but it includes leftist-leaning legislators who have expressed doubts about the U.S. military presence.

Under the alliance, the U.S. pledges to do what is needed for the security and defense of Japan, including working with Japanese troops. In return, Japan welcomes U.S. troops stationed within its territory and provides financial support for that as a “host nation.”

As election day draws nearer, the Democrats have toned down their stance.

In their “manifesto” campaign platform released Monday, the Democrats were no different from the ruling party in placing the U.S.-Japan security alliance as the keystone of Japan’s foreign policy.

Masayuki Naoshima, a Democratic legislator in charge of policy, said a new administration would merely hope to be “a little bit more vocal.”

“We need to build a relationship of trust with President Obama,” he said.

The agreement is a treaty and can’t be ditched just because a new party takes over, Naoshima said.

Political commentator Reiko Tamura criticized the Democrats as failing to fully understand the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance.

“Japan is going to be in a mess because it’s going to be politics run by children,” she told The Associated Press. “The Democrats need to understand that Japan cannot hope to survive without the U.S.”