MEMBER PUBLICATION: "The Expansion of the Japan Self-Defense Force Base in Djibouti"

Michael Edward Walsh Discussion

Title: "The Expansion of the Japan Self-Defense Force Base in Djibouti"

Author: Michael Edward Walsh

Publishers: Islands Society & DefenceWeb

Event: Government of Japan Decision to Lease Additional Land for the JSDF Base in Djibouti

Synopsis: "Last year, Japanese officials revealed that the Japanese Government would lease additional land to expand the Japan Self-Defense Force Base in Djibouti. According to media reporting at the time, the expansion of the base is intended to serve as a counterweight to the expanding strategic footprint of China in Africa and the Middle East. The Japanese Government still plans to lease additional land to expand the Japan Self-Defense Force Base in Djibouti. In fact, the Japanese Government hopes to finalize a lease on the additional land within a week or so. However, the Japanese Government does not intend to build on this land until the next fiscal year. This is due to cyclical budgetary constraints. Once the lease is finalized, it will be interesting to see whether the expansion of the base will lead to a further expansion of the functions of the base. At the end of the day, the Japan Self-Defense Force Base in Djibouti serves as an important mechanism for advancing the normalization agenda of the Abe administration. The expansion of the base therefore not only provides an opportunity to further expand the functions of the base. It also provides an opportunity to further reform Japanese security policy."

Downloadable Copy: www.islandssociety.org/2017/11/23/the-future-expansion-of-the-japan-self-defense-force-base-in-djibouti-michael-edward-walsh/

Publication Date: 11/24/2017