politics

Trump calls for more from Japan as security pact turns 60 years old

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America wants forward bases close to China for its own sake. Having them in other countries where it had to pay 100% of the cost to build and maintain them would be prohibitive. The US gets a bargain by having them in Japan and having Japan pay any of the costs. Demanding more money is self defeating. Japan should say they are already paying more than they should and want to reduce what they pay and if the US is not happy then they are always free to leave. Japan would have more money to spend on its own defense forces if the money was redirected from US coffers. Making Japan more self sufficient. Japan would need to alter article 9 if the US leaves or it leaves it open to being attacked by either China or North Korea at some point.

Japan would also need to approach other like minded nations for military alliances to strengthen their position and defense.

Trump is an idiot and has no friends. He wants America to be in his image. He is getting there. Sadly.

12 ( +18 / -6 )

@macv

US has protected J from retribution from all Asian nations it slaughtered has J shown gratitude? How?

I suggest you properly read history. Not just the atomic bombs and the Nanking massacre on Wikipedia.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

"and rule of law for those imprisoned without due process and justice."

and rule of law for those who were Killed in an American drone strike without due process and justice.

8 ( +18 / -10 )

Well of course he wants to make Japan pay more. He wants this to be a profit making enterprise. After all, he is a businessman.

6 ( +10 / -4 )

I'm glad at least two of the Americans are smiling. The Japanese side, especially, looks as if they're attending a funeral.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

All nations should have their own strong defensive military force, with ZERO bases in other countries. Do you have a local police officer sitting in your living room just in case a burglar tries to enter your house? No. YOU take care to defend YOURSELF in your OWN home. US out of Japan. And Japan, improve relations with your neighbors.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Japan pays 80% of the total costs of the American bases. The cost of 883 overseas American bases is about $50-60 billion which is a very small apart of the defense budget of $800 billion.

Try 2.5 Trillion of the total defense budget as some of this is spread out to other components under different US Agency's. However that 80% went out the door back in 2002 for cost-sharing. Today Japan funds 45% cost-sharing

You're off-base; literally and figuratively.

Japan's host nation support, or Omoiyari Yosan, covers around 75% of US stationing costs - that includes just some host nation workers, construction of non-offensive facilities, and some utilities. Note that does not cover any of the salaries of US workers, military or civilian, or the weapons and equipment they operate here. Japan paid nothing for the USS Ronald Reagan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omoiyari_Yosan

which if you haven't been on a US base in Japan lately, you will find less US civilian/US contract workers conducting support ops and instead see a 90 to1 ratio of local host nation employees. Seriously I would rather be asking why does my tax goes towards that many local employees supporting vacant facilities, does it take 5 guys to pain 1 room, does it take a crew of 20 to put up one sheet rock, and what about the numerous of local host nation employees hiding in the woods inside the white vans asleep or on the dark rooms of the fire dept floor asleep when it is not even break time? I have seen it first hand on numerous occasions.

Fairy tale - I've spent over 30 years working on US bases in Jan, both military and civilian, and the MLC employees are extremely professional and hard working. You're showing your bias.

Also the awards program paid by US tax dollars is giving to local host nation employees when this program is meant for US employees. Again can't blame the Japan government as it is the fault of the base leaders.

That's 100% wrong. I've nominated hundreds of MLC employees for cash and longevity awards - all the monetary awards come out of GOJ funds and are included in their GOJ paycheck. I've attended many ceremonies like the one at the link below - all hosted and paid for by the GOJ.

https://scnewsltr.dodlive.mil/2016/06/09/japanese-government-honors-navsup-flc-yokosuka-mlc-employees-2/

3 ( +3 / -0 )

 Why can't our allies provide for their own defense instead of relying on the U.S.?

No, it’s the US that wants to be in Japan. If not, they would have gone back. The difference between Japan and Vietnam is in the latter the US lost. If not they’d be there as well.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

No, it’s the US that wants to be in Japan. If not, they would have gone back.

That's not true. When the Philippines govt ask the US to go home, leaving behind its biggest overseas bases, the US duly left ...entirely. Most Americans, including politicians, would gladly like to see their soldiers come home. It's the Japanese who would freak out if that were to happen.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

bass4funkToday  04:33 pm JST

Because you have people that love this President...

Riiiiiiiight.... I don't think that in an actual conversation I could say with a straight face that I "love" any politician.

...as much as people like you hate him.

You'll note that I don't hate him enough to spend all my time on this site writing about him. I have better ways to waste my time.

Everyone is just expressing their viewpoints.

Several times a day in some cases, if not more. What a pity Donald Trump doesn't reciprocate the love, as Shinzo Abe is finding out.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Putin's Puppet will be looking for ways to weaken the alliance, and thus strengthen Putin's position.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Homeboy needs to get his hand out of his pocket for the photo.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The US cannot protect Japan, it cannot protect itself in Iraq, the recent missiles attack by Iran, should be a warning to the limitations of American ability to protect Japanese

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Cast your mind back 2- 3 years.

trump said to Abe San, Remember Pearl Harbor?

A crude malicious barb aimed to intimidate.

trump & the white house cannot be trusted.

For instance, trump demands Japan serve up Billions of Dollars. If that would happen, trump would not say thank you, trump would impose massive extra "tariffs" on Japan, because he can.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Great! As it should be. 60 years is a long time. Renegotiate.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

rgcivilian1 - "Somewhat truth in the above financially as the US is currently supporting 70% of costs from "appropriated" funds that pays Japan local employees known as "MLC's." vs the past when Japan did incur the majority of costs."

This info was dated 13 Jan 2017 from the MLC/IHA

SUPERVISORS HANDBOOK in the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Civilian Human

Resources Office website.

Status of Forces Agreement

Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), the Government of Japan (GOJ) agrees to provide personnel resources necessary for U.S. Forces Japan to carry out essential functions.

The GOJ, through the Ministry of Defense (MOD), is the legal employer of the Master Labor Contract (MLC) and the Indirect Hire Agreement (IHA) employees. Although they are employees of the Japanese Government, they work under the direct supervision of USFJ military and civilian supervisors.

Master Labor Contract (MLC): The contract governing those employees who are used within Japan of the United States Armed Forces. The Government of Japan pays MLC employees their salary. Personnel ordinarily residing in Japan, who are not members of the United States Armed Forces, its civilian components, or their dependents, can be referred for MLC positions.

Indirect Hire Agreement (IHA): The negotiated agreement governing those employees who are used by Article XV Organizations. The Government of Japan also pays IHA employees their salary. Personnel ordinarily residing in Japan who are non-U.S. civilian personnel can be referred for IHA positions.

If you have any information that can back up your comment, please let me know. I have been an MLC worker for over 24 years and I believe you are misleading readers with your comments.

Please research for information before making comments. Thank god for Japan Today readers like "lincolnman"!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Well of course. In June last year, Trump complained that under the pact, even if the United States were attacked, Japan would not be required to help and could "watch it on a Sony television."

We saw examples where the US was attacked, and their own military did nothing, they let it happen (e.g., 2001/09/11 and 1967/06/08). Japan should not rely on such protection, the US military could very well stand down and let an attack against Japan happen.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Digging for a mutual grave and tension building is utterly stupid.

Have we not learned our lesson from our past ?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan pays 80% of the total costs of the American bases. The cost of 883 overseas American bases is about $50-60 billion which is a very small apart of the defense budget of $800 billion.

Try 2.5 Trillion of the total defense budget as some of this is spread out to other components under different US Agency's. However that 80% went out the door back in 2002 for cost-sharing. Today Japan funds 45% cost-sharing which if you haven't been on a US base in Japan lately, you will find less US civilian/US contract workers conducting support ops and instead see a 90 to1 ratio of local host nation employees. Seriously I would rather be asking why does my tax goes towards that many local employees supporting vacant facilities, does it take 5 guys to pain 1 room, does it take a crew of 20 to put up one sheet rock, and what about the numerous of local host nation employees hiding in the woods inside the white vans asleep or on the dark rooms of the fire dept floor asleep when it is not even break time? I have seen it first hand on numerous occasions. Also the awards program paid by US tax dollars is giving to local host nation employees when this program is meant for US employees. Again can't blame the Japan government as it is the fault of the base leaders.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It was the Americans who wrote the Japanese Constitution.

How true is that? I've read that it was largely written by a bunch of Japanese civil servants, and the US simply applied an approval stamp. However it was written, it was done in a rush and in times quite different from now.

(And that Eisenhower guy on the front row, "Hands out of pockets, boy!". Sorry - memories of my schooldays. )

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Remember you did not want USA or airbases there anyway. So just ask them to leave as now I'm sure they will oblige you. were heading into a new world of competition and every country for itself. The grand giveaway all over the world with nothing in return but a top 1% gleaning all those funds out for themselves can no longer be afforded by ageing populations .

0 ( +1 / -1 )

It was Nobusuke Kishi, Abe's grandfather on his mother's side, who took the initiative to revise the security treaty, saying it didn't require the U.S. to defend Japan. Article 5 of the revised treaty thus stipulates the U.S.'s obligation to defend Japan and the Far East. In exchange for it, Japan must provide bases and areas to U.S, forces (Article 6) and take necessary action to defend these bases and areas.

In other words, the U.S. forces are in Japan for the defense and security of Japan, and Japan must provide and protect U.S. bases in Japan. That's why, when the 9.11 attack occurred, the Japanese police stood guard at the gate of every U.S. base in Japan. The U.S. side, on the other hand, freely uses the bases and areas for purposes other than the defense of Japan and its vicinity, in total disregard of treaty provisions.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

However, Trump has been critical of what he perceives as the "one-sided" nature of the treaty and that Tokyo should pay a larger share of the cost of hosting U.S. forces.

Somewhat truth in the above financially as the US is currently supporting 70% of costs from "appropriated" funds that pays Japan local employees known as "MLC's." vs the past when Japan did incur the majority of costs. The costs also pay for maintaining, new construction and recurring construction/maintenance of the facilities, which lead to local Japan construction/design and engineering firms conducting the bulk and not US taxpayers as is intended. This however cannot be nor blamed on Japan or its government but solely on the US side leaders for allowing it to happen and continues to occur. What led to this was the BRAC involvement overseas which reduced US civilian both federal and US contract workers to be cut and displaced by host nation employees. This disparity is what the Trump administration should be looking into vs the latter.

""There is also persistent local opposition against hosting U.S. forces in Okinawa, which is home to about 70 percent of the total area of land exclusively used by U.S. military facilities in Japan, amid repeated accidents and cases of assault and rape by American troops.

Perhaps the above was true back as far as 20 yrs ago but today it is quite different as the bulk of US forces are maintained on the mainland. The restructuring has changed except the mindset in Okinawa refer to 20/20 land use i.e. footprint reduction /transformation plan across the board which includes overseas bases. Todays real property managers at US bases have the current data as most were informed to conduct map surveys at all facilities in Japan concerning land use and those to be returned to Japan. IT also involved the asset use of facilities needed or not needed.

Moving forward it is very clear that Japan is moving towards its own defense measures and will depend less and less of the US umbrella. Clearly the Abe administration has made that clear in its recent moves to 1. promote the SDF across the board, 2. take on mission outside the Japan borders 3. showcase its Navy capabilities that were clearly not as affected as thought after WWII. Otherwise, why hasn't the US stepped up to to quell insurgencies within Japan as NK flew missiles over Japan lands, encroachment by SK into Japan waters IEE zones or those made by China and Russia? hmmm.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Abe should say something to the tune of "promise is a promise" and start "export control" right away. Oh wait, he does that only to Korea

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

ingrates

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

It's time for the people of Japan to decide if they still want the presence of U.S. military on their native soil. If yes, they will need to pay for it. If no, we will leave.

National security for the U.S. and its allies has been the reason for our presence across the world. Is this still a valid reason? Why can't our allies provide for their own defense instead of relying on the U.S.?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

This doesn’t cover cyber warfare and there will be cyber militia in this century. Need to at least start a working group.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

and rule of law for those imprisoned without due process and justice.

-3 ( +8 / -11 )

That being said I have no idea why any pro-Trump organisation would pay anyone to parrot propaganda on this site. It's not as if we can all vote in US elections.

Because you have people that love this President as much as people like you hate him. Everyone is just expressing their viewpoints.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

you Japanese and me... , will finance the war?

it is time to end those monsters.

they will use japan as a military platform to strike China and Russia

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Putin's Puppet 

That's been thoroughly discredited. Mueller couldn't find any Trump-Russia collusion.

will be looking for ways to weaken the alliance

No, he's looking for ways to make it less of a financial burden on the U.S.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Trump, as usual, is correct. Japan should pay for its defense, either by paying the US for its service, or by paying for its own defense.

This model, where Japan gets its defense needs taken care of for free has run its course. Times have changed.

Of course, without even reading the comments, I know already that our usual orange-man-bad crowd is at it again, LOL

-12 ( +4 / -16 )

Well of course he wants to make Japan pay more

Well of course. In June last year, Trump complained that under the pact, even if the United States were attacked, Japan would not be required to help and could "watch it on a Sony television."

That's a pretty good deal for Japan, even if though the Sony televisions are made in China.

Trump is an idiot and has no friends. He wants America to be in his image. He is getting there.

Wrong on everything there. He's a genius, has plenty of friends, wants America to be even greater than it is now, which is greater than it was 3 years ago, and we're getting there.

-14 ( +5 / -19 )

US has protected J from retribution from all Asian nations it slaughtered has J shown gratitude? How?

-22 ( +2 / -24 )

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