The United Nations (UN) was formed by the international community in the aftermath of World War 2. The victors in that war wanted to ensure that the losers would never again resort to militarism, fascism, and the use of force in pursuing their economic and political ambitions. In other words, no more aggression.
Thus, the UN Charter specifically provided for several articles on "enemy states." There are:
* Article 53(1) allows regional organizations to take enforcement measures against an enemy state, without prior Security Council authorisation, if these measures were provided for under Article 107 or aimed at preventing a renewal of that State’s aggressive policy.
* Article 53(2) defines an enemy State as any State that was an enemy of any signatory of the UN Charter during World War II. This covered, in particular, Germany, Italy, Japan, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Finland and probably Thailand.
* Article 77(1)(b) includes among possible UN trusteeship territories any territories detached from enemy states as a result of World War II. In practice, the only such case placed under trusteeship was Italian Somaliland, administered by Italy.
* Article 107 says that nothing in the Charter invalidates or prevents any action in relation to an enemy state that was taken or authorized as a result of World War II by the governments responsible for such action. Those governments could also delegate such action to others.
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, speaking during the first day of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, wanted these provisions scrapped.
Takaichi, in her first appearance before the UN General Assembly in New York, described Japan as a “peace-loving nation” and said the references “must be deleted.”
“I would like to strongly emphasize this position as Japan has the pride and honor of its significant contributions to the efforts of the United Nations over the last 70 years,” she said.
But these provisions are important because the Allies wanted to preserve a way to act against the re-emergence of militarism or fascism among Axis powers like Japan, Germany and Italy, without having to consult the newly formed UN Security Council.
While Germany may have apologized and atoned for its transgressions against humanity during the war, it is doubtful if Japan has already.
Especially now, with Sanao Takaichi in the helm of Japanese power. There are many indications that Takaichi and her group of right-wing hawks are stirring Japan towards a return to militarism.
Any proof?
Sanae has affirmed that Japan could intervene militarily if China were to attack Taiwan, which is part of China.
Tokyo's recent policy decisions are geared to reviving World War II-era militarism, such as Takaichi’s efforts to rebuild the military. For the first time since 70 years ago, Japanese soldiers fired live ammunition in the Philippines during the last Balikatan exercises.
Takaichi is in New York to refurbish Japan's image as a responsible member of the UN and the international community, despite its pivot to militarism.
She noted the changing world order, saying the “stable post-Cold War era is now a thing of the past.” She pitched her country as a force for stability and strength, ready to help on issues like artificial intelligence, climate change and nuclear disarmament.
This is all hogwash. For Japan is allowing itself to be used by the US to further its evil hegemony in Asia.
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