Hi all, something I've wondered for a while, with a few specific sub-questions:
What was the motivation for and process of the Japanese decision to form their SDF?
What was the international community's response, particularly America's, Britain's, Russia's, Germany's and China's? If there was any negativity/obstruction, how was it overcome?
I did a quick search for "self defence force" and "SDF" and found nothing, apologies if I missed something and I'd happily read any previous answers if someone recalls any. Thanks!
The Self Defence Force was set up under American supervision and with their active cooperation. Much of the JSDF's equipment is sold to them by the USA. The only significant challenge to the JSDF being set up has come from inside Japan itself, mostly by socialists, who tried (and failed) to have the institution declared illegal by the Japanese Supreme Court. The Court's interpretation is that as long as the JSDF remains technically a component of Japan's police forces, and its mission is purely to defend Japanese territory, it is not illegal.
It's worth noting that, while the JSDF is very well equipped, it lacks significant offensive capabilities (aircraft carriers, long range missiles, etc etc).