Japan Voices Shock Over Efforts to Change FSX Pact
Japan’s defense chief expressed shock today over efforts in the U.S. Congress to amend the FSX jet fighter agreement approved last month by President Bush and called on Bush to veto any changes adopted by Congress.
The U.S. Senate attached amendments to the agreement that would require Japan to give the United States 40% of the production contracts on the plane and restrict Japanese use of U.S. technology.
The FSX agreement is being debated in the House. Bush Administration officials said Thursday that putting new conditions on the agreement could result in Japan’s breaking off the deal.
“It would be best if President Bush would veto any amendments,” Defense Agency Director Kichiro Tazawa said at a news conference.
Tazawa said he was shocked that Congress even suggested changing the agreement.
“Japan maintains continuity in observing international agreements,” Tazawa said, implying that the United States does not.
A Defense Agency spokesman said he could not comment on whether the amendments would cause Japan to break the agreement.
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