Stop deploying PAC-3 to Chiba Prefecture: JCP

   The Japanese Communist Party Chiba Prefectural Committee on September 19 made representations to the Defense Ministry demanding that the ministry stop deploying PAC-3 interceptor missiles as part of the ballistic missile defense system to the Ground Self-Defense Force Narashino Base in the prefecture.

   In order to further integrate the SDF into the U.S. Missile Defense Program, the Defense Ministry is planning to deploy PAC-3 to the SDF Narashino, Takeyama (Kanagawa Pref.), and Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Pref.) bases this year in addition to the SDF Iruma Base (Saitama Pref.) to which the missiles are already deployed.

   Referring to news reports that the SDF may use Harumi Pier Park or Yoyogi Park in Tokyo to launch the Iruma-based PAC-3, the JCP representatives, including Chiba Prefectural Assembly member Maruyama Shin’ichi, asked whether the SDF will move PAC-3’s off Narashino base or plans to conduct exercises to move the missiles.

   A ministry official acknowledged such a possibility but refused to disclose the details.

   The JCP representatives criticized the SDF plan to deploy the missiles for giving priority to cooperation in U.S. global strategy over the safety of the Japanese public、 and demanded its cancellation.                         - Akahata, September 20, 2007