It's all about the military, even in East Asia

The Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun published an op-ed on the new security treaty between Japan and the U.S., criticizing its emphasis on "military cooperation above any other form of two-way assistance." And spotlighting military cooperation is sure to piss off Japan's Asian neighbors:

For Japan to allay the apprehension of its Asian neighbors and get the public to support the outcome of the talks, the government must indicate a diplomatic strategy as a part of an insurance package against a military emergency. Since Japan lacks such a diplomatic strategy, its agreement with the United States on the realignment of U.S. forces may only provoke its Asian neighbors and fan their suspicions, no matter what picture of cooperation Japan may paint of its military alliance.

No alliance can exist without military cooperation, but an alliance that is propelled by military cooperation is a very dangerous thing.

This is just another indication that the Bush administration is unwilling to use diplomatic, economic, and other avenues to reach its strategic objectives, whether it be containing China or fighting terrorism. It's unfortunate that Japanese politicians, after all these years since the Occupation, have yet to grow a backbone and sign an agreement that reflects Japan's interests as well as America's.