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Abe vows to protect people from N Korean missile threat

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If they enter Japanese air space they should be shot down.

16 ( +20 / -4 )

Good idea. Just because NK says they will aim for Guam doesn't guarantee that nothing will drop over Japan. Especially if there are 4 of them.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

True, given the reliability of NK engineering it will be a wonder if they don't blow themselves up. Japan has to be ready for any contingency.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Guam is american, not japanese. it should be usa who defends usa. also it is in international waters. why nobody is angry about the massive SK/USA war-game about to start with the goal of practicing invasion? everyone should take a deep breath and stand down.

-24 ( +4 / -28 )

Goodlucktoyou says:

Guam is american, not japanese. it should be usa who defends usa.

the kims came to power after the end of Japanese control in 1945 split the region.

japan, china, usa all have a roll in this. grow a pair.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

airspace above 60,000 feet is considered uncontrolled, i wonder what the legality is of a third party (japan) shooting down a rocket is at that point in the flight, since it would likely be around 100-300km up.

anyway, the politicians are too optimistic, ICBM defense systems have proven to be horribly unreliable in the past. we will be lucky if any of them hit an overflying missile. you could launch 10 and not get a single hit.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I say anything that approaches Japan & CERTAINLY anything set to fly OVER Japan is fair game to be shot down, pretty simple!

13 ( +15 / -2 )

I'm betting that NK is trying to goad Trump into attacking them first, so they can tell their people "see, we told you so"

4 ( +7 / -3 )

if missile flew above Japan, go head shoot missile in sea.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Bay of Tonkin, 9/11 (building 7) . False flags are options USA has used in the past.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

Thank you Japan.

From all of us in the US.

12 ( +16 / -4 )

Desperately insecure and inconsequential Japan, the land whose value exists only in its role as a US military outpost. It must be very difficult for the Japanese to wrap their heads around the fact that their nation is the chihuahua of the Far East. Sad.

-17 ( +2 / -19 )

paradoxbox's comment re uncontrolled airspace is pertinent.

It could be safely assumed, that a missile bound for Guam passing over Japan, would be at an altitude of many 100s of kms, possibly 1,000+kms at it's peak. (the recent test in July landing in the Japan Sea reached well over 2,000kms).

Airspace at such altitudes are deemed uncontrolled airspace. The internationally accepted (by most)Karman Line at 100kms generally defines the start of outer space. Most countries own laws defining their airspace falls well below that.

So if a rocket / missile passing overhead at say 400kms is deemed a national threat and security breach and pre-emptively fired upon, the question is - is it legal?

Many satellites flyover at this range. Are they fair target if one believes their intent is hostile? Is the ISS - international space station- flying at a set 400kms altitude, and coincidentally this weekend will fly multiple times over North Korea, a "legal" target for NK missiles, if it believes the station is threatening it's security?

Shooting down high altitude rockets in free space, without knowing concrete details of trajectory, flight path destination and intent would be extremely reckless and open the door to all sorts of extra-terrestial retaliations.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

If, as paradoxbox says, over 60k feet is uncontrolled airspace, I wonder why U-2s, which fly at 70k+, have been shot down in the past. Wouldn't shooting down a missile be equally legitimate?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Anything that flies over you can fall down on top of you so it's fair game. How would NK feel if Japan was firing off missiles over their heads without permission? Furthermore, NK would also be within their rights as a soverign nation to shoot it down if Japan or any other country did the same thing.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

landofexcuses, hyperbole much?

I really don't think that the 3rd biggest economy in the world is unimportant..

Is it allies with the States, sure and while thats not always great what other choice is there, be annexed by China, no thanks.

This situation exists because rather than have to deal with each other, to the terrible detriment of the North Korean People, China, Russia and the US like having a separatist buffer state.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

@stormcrow. there are so many military satellites flying over NK it is a wonder they don't collide.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This is all being staged by NK in order to make Kim look like a hero. His support is not as firm or widespread as you might think.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

When North Korea makes a threat, the US makes money selling defensive weapons to South Korea and Japan. North Korea being a "threat" is a scam. MODERATOR: Every time I post this opinion, you remove it and say it is "Off Topic", which it isn't, or "Offensive". Really? Who am I offending? YOU, perhaps. Keep your politics OUT of your decisions to delete comments.

2 ( +11 / -9 )

"When North Korea makes a threat, the US makes money selling defensive weapons to South Korea and Japan."

Key word here is *defensive**.*

None are obligated to purchase same.

Please be careful you may have wandered a little too far into the forest.
5 ( +9 / -4 )

browny1

So if a rocket / missile passing overhead at say 400kms is deemed a national threat and security breach and pre-emptively fired upon, the question is - is it legal?

The very existence and possession of said rockets / missiles by the DPRK is illegal to begin with. The legality of shooting one of them down is a moot point.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Modern ballistics technology allows countries with suitable radar and detection systems in place to be fairly certain of an approximate target not long after launch. So, despite the comments about the missiles flying in international space above Japan, if the missile are on target to impact anywhere near Guam I would expect the USA will try to shoot them down, whatever the altitude.

The PAC-3 systems Japan deployed are defensive only, and only have a range of approx 30kms. I seriously doubt they could intercept a missile which remains on track to target Guam, although Japan plans to upgrade to PAC-3 MSE soon. Note that the article itself states that they have been deployed on the chance that a missile fails en route. Better that PAC-3 impacts it safely at altitude than a Nth Korean missile, warhead (if they bother to fit one), fuel & all fall on Japan.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

N. Korea is not stupid. It can't start a war with anyone. With the sanctions biting deep, Kim is making Japan and Co pay even if in a small way - by unleashing uncertainty. Business takes a hit, governments spend money in contingencies and nerves are frayed.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

USninjapan2 - where is it stated anywhere that development of a rocket by a country is illegal? We have no idea if nk's rockets are "live" or not. The possibility it's all bluff certainly exists, as it would be consistent with the regimes bellicose but empty rhetoric over the years. And if you want to deem such illegal, then one must consider the notion that all rockets existence & possession by whoever is illegal. Was Horie's rocket launch the other week in Hokkaido legal? Did he have ulterior motives? Was the UN notified? Were neighbouring countries notified?

And sorry, but my point about outer space is certainly not rendered moot at all. I brought it up as a consideration, because claiming the air 100kms above Japan (or anywhere) as territorial airspace is nonsense. As disturbing as it may seem to some, outer space belongs to no one.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Abe, Kim, Trump: what they have in common is failing support. All this is a big stage play designed to get us all scared and behind them, and make them look like big heros.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

"I will do everything, to the best of my ability, to protect the safety and property of the Japanese people,"

Three more arrows?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

browny1

There's nothing further to discuss if you don't consider ballistic missile development, tests, and launches in violation of UNSC resolutions to be illegal. Japan has every right to destroy a North Korean ballistic missile launched at its treaty ally if it overflies Japanese territory or waters, regardless of the altitude. It's an act of war using a missile and a WMD for heavens sake, not a innocent satellite launch. Get a grip.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

"I will do everything, to the best of my ability, to protect the safety and property of the Japanese people," Abe said.

Now I really AM worried.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

usninja - thanks for your response.

If you had followed my comments from start, you'd have realized my original interest in this was the idea of outer space being being no-mans land (space) and whether or not any entity had jurisdiction in this space. It was not taking sides or justification for war-like behaviour.

And re legality of missile / rocket development, I also said that it's relevant only if we acknowledge all such development.

And re that grip, or is that a gripe - Well good luck.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

just what he needed to prop his sagging popularity and right wing agenda!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@Goodlucktoyou,

Yeah, but those aren't missiles being used for target practice, are they?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Uh-oh... we know what comes of an Abe vow!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Instead of depending on USA defense,, Abe is preparing JSDF now.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

If a missile is shot down does that create a nuclear explosion at the point where it is hit? What is the success rate of these devices?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Say if North Korea sent one missile Towards a nearby country would Japan be ready to protect itself first then intercept any missile coming its way while at the same time be aware that north Korea has Submarines as well also Insurgents Waiting to cause havoc in most countries as well

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Designer in theory you can destroy a nuclear missile without creating a nuclear explosive chain reaction

1 ( +1 / -0 )

the news reported today that a NK missile could reach Guam in 15 mins, that means it would go over Japan about 3 mins after being launched. I doubt Japan would know and be able to aim to shoot it down that quickly

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Sadly, it wont be much, and who'll be left to complain afterwards ? One can only hope that something miraculous happens and that the Politicians see sense.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

As a distraction upon some of the insanity going around:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ugJZhL-cbc

Hope you find it a little bit amusing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

One would hope, that this is all just one big massive Political stage show - which will end up with big hugs and Celebrations. However, I somewhat seriously doubt that. China is worried. Russia is worried. That's certainly an indication of a real problem outside their backyards.

The question is, if you're in Japan, and are able to... should you get out now ?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Oh, Mr. Abe, you really are a brownoser, aren't you? The fact is, if the DPRK was to fire an ICBM at a mainland Japan target they would have less than 15 minutes to destroy it. You can promise all you like, but it's extremely doubtful that you could target and destroy the missile before it hit a target on mainland Japan.

Saddly, the only way this chess game will have any end is if the DPRK does strike first. If the US strikes the DPRK then China will have grounds for retaliation. If the DPRK strikes first China will have no grounds for retaliation and the US can go ahead and wipe out little Kim and his cronies. It worked well with Gadaffi all those years ago. They didn't kill him, but the death of all his family certainly stopped him. Unfortunately, this is the only outcome I see. This chess game cannot go on.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Abe vows to protect people

I feel safer already.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The chances of North Korea ever attacking the United States are exactly zero.  

Their entire military capability is a reaction to 60 years of U.S. foreign policy, that they have every right to take quite seriously, but they are not suicidal. Any North Korean use of their quite minimal nuclear capacity would result in their annihilation - which they know. The only threat North Korea poses is to an invading force. And that's easily resolved. Don't invade them.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

gokai_wo_manekuToday 04:12 pm JSTAbe, Kim, Trump: what they have in common is failing support. All this is a big stage play designed to get us all scared and behind them, and make them look like big heros.

Having watched our relationship with North Korea since the Kim Il Sung days, I only wish that what you say were true.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It's possible that Bukhan might miscalculate and wind up hitting something they weren't aiming at so just to protect myself and my neighbors I want to be sure that they understand the location of Guam which is at 40.6693° N, 74.6804° W (from Google).

Disclaimer: This advice is publicly available and given only to protect the innocent and has no political undertones for which any fascist agency might derive justification for abuse.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Shooting down any test missiles headed for Guam would be a great gesture towards the US, but am worried whether NK would consider that a major escalation. Although not shooting it down would also create an unacceptable precedent and NK would ratchet up its tensions I would assume.

Regardless, anti-missile systems need to be rolled out all over the country and preparations should be made to increase their capacity a few-fold

0 ( +0 / -0 )

toshiko: "Instead of depending on USA defense,, Abe is preparing JSDF now."

Where are those weapons from, Toshiko? And we both know that Abe is ONLY doing what he's doing because he knows the US is behind them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Laughable. No----nsense!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I can just imagine.... Missile launch detected, Abe: "we must have an Emergency Meeting!" 5 min later in the Emergency Meeting Room: Abe " What is the Agenda for this meeting, does it include raising taxes?", silence then 2 min later, "It is about the latest NK Missile Launch......"(from a concerned member of the meeting). Abe: can we tax the people in the missile trajectory?" "I think we do not have that framework set up yet and the missile is heading our way!" (Concerned member's voice is an octave higher). 9 mins later Abe "can we rewrite the constitution?"

BRIGHT FLASH OUTSIDE Gokkaigijido.... Abe: "Umm Errrr what was that?") Concerned Member{"It was a Nuclear strike, the shock wave will hit very soooon".....} penultimate words of Abe: "can we tax the hibakusha?"

Last words of Abe, "we need to schedule a meeting to make a strong demand to NK to case and desist and.. and why is my skin melting?"

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I want to believe the above picture by NHK. It said Pac 3 will be moved to .... must be transferred by now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Thanks, Abe. I feel safer already.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Oh well, now that Abe has said it's all ok, I can sleep well. He's never made a promise he has not kept has he?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Abe vows to protect people from N Korean missile threat

I would hope so. It is the #1 job of any national leader to protect the people from external threat.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

"I will do everything, to the best of my ability, to protect the safety and property of the Japanese people," Abe said.

An empty promise without any substantial means of backing it up. Four Patriot launchers is hardly a meaningful defense. 

The Patriot is designed to shoot down incoming missiles in their final stages of trajectory, not when it is at the apogee of its trajectory, nor is it effectively capable of intercepting a ICBM launched on a lofted trajectory toward Guam.

A more adequate defense system would be like Israel's Iron Dome and THAAD. But China has already vetoed any effective air defense system and Japan (and UN) is afraid of offending China.

What Abe really means is that he will do everything to find ways to placate and appease North Korea (and China) to avoid destruction and casualties. 

Saddly, the only way this chess game...

Not chess, but POKER. 

NK is bluffing and will not fire the missiles. On the other hand, if the missiles are fired, they will intentionally land wide of Guam. The next threat phase will then be to threaten launch missiles proximity to U.S. West Coast

Trump's "Fire and Fury" is also a bluff. The anti-war / anti-nuclear peaceniks and world opinion will not allow any direct U.S. military actions, even when the adversary fires first.

Meanwhile, UN, Japan and U.S. are quietly finding ways behind the scene to appease NK and will placate him temporarily with humanitarian and economic aid......until the next test threat.

After the crisis quiets down, Trump, Abe and UN delegations will go to Pyongyang to negotiate an "agreement" for NK to cease and desist of any future threats, a "peace treaty" to end the 60-year standoff and withdrawal of U.S. forces along the 38th parallel , and force SK to agree to a Korean unification under NK rule. 

(Abe will probably broker this deal and end up awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.)

The UN, Japan and U.S. (despite Trump Tough Talk) is afraid of any nuclear threat and destruction, will do ANYTHING to appease. 

The end result is NK threats succeeds, they get what they want, and win the game.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Captain abe to the rescue,smh!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Shooting down any test missiles headed for Guam would be a great gesture towards the US, but am worried whether NK would consider that a major escalation. Although not shooting it down would also create an unacceptable precedent and NK would ratchet up its tensions I would assume.

bingo

whether or not it is ridiculous, if japan shoots down a missile over uncontrolled airspace, it may technically be considered an act of war by japan against north korea, and could thus pave the way for north korea to retaliate in some way against japan - and it may actually even be legal for them to do so.

remember that north korea and the usa have been at a state of war since the 1950's - that war has never ended, it has just remained mostly cold. on the other hand, as far as i am aware, japan and north korea are not at a state of war, so japan shooting down a missile that is not on a trajectory to hit japan, could (emphasis could) be considered a logical and legal reason to commence hostilities.

i certainly hope cool heads prevail, but something obviously needs to be done about north korea as they are destabilizing east asia too much, and with almost no political communication with any other country, they are causing a lot of problems in a world that doesn't have a lot of room for more trouble.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

paradoxboxAug. 13 08:44 pm JSTShooting down any test missiles headed for Guam would be a great gesture towards the US, but am worried whether NK would consider that a major escalation. Although not shooting it down would also create an unacceptable precedent and NK would ratchet up its tensions I would assume.

bingo

whether or not it is ridiculous, if japan shoots down a missile over uncontrolled airspace, it may technically be considered an act of war by japan against north korea, and could thus pave the way for north korea to retaliate in some way against japan - and it may actually even be legal for them to do so.

Let them. Article 5 of the US-Japan Mutual Defense Treaty will kick in and there'd e no North Korea anymore.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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