Politics & Security

EDITORIAL | Strengthen Regulations on Land Transactions Around Security Facilities

The law only authorizes investigation of the ownership and use of properties around Self-Defense Forces HQs, US military bases, and the nation's borders.

Published

2 years ago

October 13, 2022

Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun

Chinese financed land purchases have been identified in places like this one near a Self-Defense Force radar facility in Hokkaido. (© Sankei)

A law designed to provide greater protection for sensitive areas near Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) installations and outlying islands near Japan's borders took effect recently.

The Act Concerning Restriction on Usage and Investigation on Usage of Lands Surrounding Important Facilities and Islands Close to the Japanese Border (Act No. 84 of 2021) was enacted by the Diet in June 2021.

Fully in effect, it is up to the government to vigorously implement this law designed to protect the nation and the Japanese people.

New Land Use Law Lurches Toward Protecting National Security

Areas subject to application of the law include Designated Observed Areas (DOA) and Special Designated Observed Areas (SDOA). The former category refers to places within roughly one kilometer distance from SDF and United States military bases, nuclear power plants, and other facilities critical for national security.

The SDOA include especially significant, vulnerable, and irreplaceable infrastructure. Examples are the JSDF headquarters, key US military bases, and islands near the nation's borders.

The law authorizes government authorities to investigate ownership, including nationality of the owners and shareholders, and use of land within these designated zones.

*A Korean-owned hotel (upper right) that operates next to the Maritime Self-Defense Force base in Takeshiki (left) in Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, December 3, 2008 (© Sankei)*

Dangers Around Critical Infrastructure

The security environment surrounding Japan is becoming ever more dangerous. As foreign capital from China and elsewhere continues to acquire land and buildings in Japan, increased supervision is clearly warranted.

Concern as Chinese, Foreigners Buy 700 Properties Around Japan’s Defense Sites

Under the new law, if property owners within designated areas engage in behavior that impairs the functions of facilities located within those areas, then the relevant administrative authorities may request or order the party in question to desist from such actions.

If that party does not respond properly to the order, it may be subject to criminal penalties. Examples of such disruptive behavior cited by the government include the establishment of structures or equipment that can interfere with the landing of JSDF aircraft or radar operations, using laser illumination to obstruct the functions of sensitive installations, and the use of radio waves for jamming purposes.

Plans are to designate the first DOA and SDOA by the end of 2022, and then add around 600 or more areas each year for several years thereafter. Speed is of the essence in order to ensure proper security for essential facilities.

*China related land purchase near JSDF radar site in Hokkaido. (© Sankei)*

Important Infrastructure Left Vulnerable

However, the new law remains inadequate, and more legal protection for important facilities is needed. Parties to a real estate transaction over a certain size of land within a SDOA are required to give the government prior notification before concluding the transaction. However, the law does not regulate the land sale itself. The new regulations solely apply to "use."

Concerning the new law, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno noted the present international situation, declaring, "Risks of activities which interfere with the functions of defense-related facilities and outlying islands near our national boundaries are increasing."

Recognition of this rising risk should translate into more effective regulation of land transactions of concern. As things now stand, the problem is that nothing can be done until the disruptive behavior has already taken place.

In the United States, if foreign capital seeks to acquire real estate near a military installation, the transaction must undergo a security review and the President has the authority to halt the transaction.

Some of the opposition parties opposed enactment of the new law, voicing concerns that it might result in the monitoring of residents, including their political activities, and restrictions to private property rights. But the fact is that the law in no way restricts real estate transactions or property use.

An advisory council will consider dissenting opinions when areas are designated or desist requests are issued. We must not allow the regulations to be emasculated and the security of the nation imperiled.