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Abe says he won't tolerate China island challenge

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Looks like Abe and Obama agreed. Well. If nothing happens in the next 30 days. Nothing will ever happen

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Oh, what a tough stance! I always wonder why Abe has to run to the US for help when the dispute is between Japan and China. Is there something to fear about China that is not disclosed? Or, perhaps Japan’s claims are not strong enough in the eyes of the public.

-10 ( +9 / -19 )

Tough talk from a Japanese PM sitting in the White House press room.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

I am glad Abe isn't taking any crap from China. China is a big bully. Then even tried to say that the Philippines belonged to them. Then when the world heard about it, it was just a case of "over enthusiasm"

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/36057/china-tv-claims-philippines-as-chinese-territory

China want to take over the entire South China Seas and all the islands in that area.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13748349

All the affected countries are looking toward Japan for leadership and Japan is asking US for help and as a witness to Chinese military imperialism.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

Now Abe is blasted for using the U.S-Japan alliance for protection. If Abe decides to prepare Japan for real self-defense, he will be blasted for "militarization and nationalism." Some people want to have it both ways.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

China is an emerging world power. Thank industrialized nations for that. Bravo Abe for the tough words but china will push back.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Mr. Abe on Friday was told what to do, and that involves war with China. The Pacific Fleet's deputy chief of staff for Intelligence and Information is already preparing the world to understand why Japan needs to go to war to protect its sovereignty against Chinese harassment. Captain Fenell has his orders, and he's following them. Likewise, Japan needs to show the world that it can stand on its own two feet by defeating China single-handedly in an Air-Sea Battle engagement.

In fact, we do not intend that any of mainland China will be disturbed in the least, unless the islands of Japan are compromised themselves. This is intended to be simply the destruction of the PLA Navy in the East China Sea and the PLA Air Force in the same arena. In essence, it is our intention to castrate the PRC of its military capabilities so that it will no longer be in a position to seize other nation's maritime sovereignty rights. Should nuclear weapons come into play, China will be annihilated to the tune of 500 Hiroshimas.

We're getting close to war, as Fanell has made plain. We have the Chinese daring more; and we cannot let them back down. Soon enough, we'll have sufficient provocation to dismantle the PRC into six independent countries, starting with a free Tibet, a totally autonomous Xinjiang, an Inner Mongolia capable of reuniting with Outer Mongolia and the Han Chinese divided within three independent countries based on the three principal rivers of current China.

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

“We simply cannot tolerate any challenge now and in the future. No nation should make any miscalculation or underestimate the firmness of our resolve,”

Yeah, "our resolve" standing behind the US! He wouldn't be making this kind of speech at all if he weren't sure the US would stand behind them (in exchange for some back-room favours). And who's suprised no decision was made about the TPP?

-3 ( +10 / -13 )

"“The doors are always open on my side for the Chinese leaders,” Abe said."

What a crock of bull! The so-called door is ONLY open if China agrees 100% to what Japan demands while hiding behind the US! What's more, the guy just brings this statement in ONLY after clearly stating (behind the legs of the US) that Japan will not budge on the issue and no one should try to challenge them and to try and look like a democratic leader instead of the fascist he is.

-4 ( +11 / -15 )

It is all politics my friends, don't need to get your blood pressure up.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Juan RodriguezFeb. 23, 2013 - 09:32AM JST

It is all politics my friends, don't need to get your blood pressure up

So what does it mean to you? Sounds like you have no respect to geo-politics and politicians who are trying to do the best. It is not a game, rather, it is a very serious business as it affects everyone's life.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

flowersFeb. 23, 2013 - 08:18AM JST Oh, what a tough stance! I always wonder why Abe has to run to the US for help when the dispute is between Japan >and China

Because if he didn't, you'd be the first to be crying about "Japanese Imperialism". The dispute is no more just between China and Japan, than China and the Philippines, China and Vietnam, China and Malaysia....

1 ( +9 / -8 )

Japan does not hide behind the US. Japan hides behind Article 9. Hopefully we will see a change, brought on by none other than China's territorial and military expansion.

4 ( +12 / -8 )

Its morbidly amusing that Abe stands in the capital of a country that, unlike China, has military bases scattered across the globe, and complains about military expansionism, but of course, not that of his ally. And all because China wants some islands that would make Gilligan's island look like continent!

Not ironic. Just hypocritical.

China should offer to relieve some of the massive U.S. debt to China to just stand down on this issue.

-8 ( +5 / -13 )

The way to go, no one should allow to make any exception even if it is coming from the second largest economy. Based on the International law the territory issue must be solved. Other wise the world would be very unstable place to live. Abe, go for it. Abe is protecting the principle of the world.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

China is a big bully. The Chinese government pretty much says most of east Asia's surrounding territory is theirs. China only became interested in the Senkaku Islands after valuable minerals were discovered by the UN in the 1970's. China has a beef with other Asian nations as well. It would be interesting to see if North Korea one day stops listening to China and goes on their own. China just can't get their head twisted around to realize they lost the war with Japan in 1894-1895 and 1931-1945.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Such a hypocrite. He is using U.S. alliance very well for Japans own interests. Threating China while hiding behind the US, not a very proud way to get these islands. And then Japan will cry because of more american soldiers, so called criminals in their country.

-10 ( +5 / -15 )

Abe said that no one contested Japan’s sovereignty between 1895, when Tokyo annexed the islands,

In the middle of the Sino-Japanese war? This is like saying the British did not contest the occupation of Jersey by the Germans in WWII! Hello?

and 1971, the year before the United States returned the islands along with Okinawa to Japan after seizing them in World War II.

And CCP was only recognized by the free world in 1971! Up to then the status quo was for China to pound sand on ANY issue.

Seems like the only claim on land Japan is ready to accept is the old fashioned claim: kill all your enemies for it. I for one am grateful China never resorted to that, and I would like to keep it that way.

And if I ever get swept up in a war because of this, I will be mindful of whose stupid mouths got it started. Read into that what you will.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

The Chinese government pretty much says most of east Asia's surrounding territory is theirs.

So you are saying that China is making claims on the entirety of both Koreas and Japan. Are you going for overstatement of the year award?

And while I don't like China's claim on Taiwan, hey, it was not all that long ago that Taiwan claimed all of mainland China! And our governments supported that!

Pah! Hypocrisy and exaggeration. Its pathetic that people feel its the only way they can make a case against China. Telling even!

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Perhaps Japan and the US should give China a little spanking over those islands. Politicians talk too much no action. Perhaps a missile over one of their ships then we detain the ship and its crew. Then we conduct war games right off their coast. Let them observe some of our latest equipment.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Remarks from Abe 'mislead the world'

http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-02/23/content_16250032.htm

Chinese are very simple minded people and are inspired by patriotism.

I hope the world understands that Japan is now being used as their enemy by the PRC (Beijing) for their objectives. I still remember how the former USSR used USA as their enemy before they were finally falling apart. Remember that? This quote is a cheap shot by PRC.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Hope no firearms. Fidgeting for cyber crash of war machines. Leading tech can protect friendly allies' from cyber attack?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

China is a thug simply because it bullies all of its neighbors. See their nine dash line claim in South China Sea you will understand. It licks all its neighbor EEZ. It is a clear and present threat. For all those said about hidden behind US or history lesson for Japan: Without US it already taught China Navy a lesson in ww ii. The lesson for Japan was: it would win any war with China and would lose if attack US. I think it leant that lesson well this time but China did not. China tarnished their own image by them self. I have met many Japanese and Chinese from mainland. Japanese people are humble, quiet. Chinese are noisy and arrogant. No one in south east Asia like Chinese tourists, even in Singapore.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Yes Abe, you won't stand for anything as long as the US promises to come in and save your behind when the going gets rough. Okinawa, THIS is why the J government isn't listening to you.

-10 ( +6 / -16 )

Japan is stupid. Time has changed, Japan is not the Japan before and China now is Japan 70 years ago. The constitution must be changed be a normal one, like any other country to deal with the threat!

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

In fact, Philippines used to be a Chinese Vassalt state or controlled by China way before the Spanish came in in their lust for gold and conquest. It happens that when the three remaining rulers asked for Japan's assistance to repel the Spanish. Guess what? The Spanish brought from gifts to the Japanese and they reneged their promise to defend Philippines. It was Philippines that had allowed Japanese merchants to come down in search of goods from China because it had closed its commerce to the outside World, except the Philippines.Again, in the negotiations for the LyuKyu islands, (Okinawa), mediated by President Ulysses S Grant, Japan agreed that the China could keep the Spratleys, (besides Miyako and Yaeyama Isalands). The main island of Philippines, Luzon, came from the Chinese word Lyu Sung. I think the ones who are noisy and arrogants are the Japanese. They want to know everything about your life even from the first day you meet them. About China/Philippines relationships, below is some information. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_Philippines_ancient_name_is_ophir

Despite the conjectures regarding its origins, the Ming Annals are clear on the actual existence of the Luzon Empire. It records that in 1373 AD, the Luzon Empire sent its first among the many succeeding diplomat mission to the Great Ming Empire (1368-1644 AD), accompanied by the embassies of India's Chola Empire. The Ming chroniclers added the character for "kingdom"of "empire" (pinyin: GuU) after Luzon (Lusong), indicating that it was once an independent and sovereign kingdom. Her rulers were acknowledged as king and not mere chieftains. The Ming empire treated the Luzon Empire more favorably than Japan by allowing it to trade with china once verey two years, while Japan was only allowed to trade once every 11 years. Luzon empire flourished during the latter half of the Ming Dynasty when China closed its doors to foreign trade. Foreigners were forbidden to send trade missions to China. Chinese merchants were likewise forbidden to trade beyond the borders of the Ming Empire. Yet clandestinely, merchants from Guangzhou and Quanzhou regularly delivered trade goods to Tondo. Luzon merchants then traded them all across Southeast Asia and were considered "Chinese" by the people they encountered.

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

Ossan: "Japan does not hide behind the US"

They most certainly do... or do you think he would make the same speech at an Asian summit?

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Now is the time to rid the nation of Article 9, arm up and truely put force behind those words.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

avigatorFeb. 23, 2013 - 11:19AM JST In fact, Philippines used to be a Chinese Vassalt state or controlled by China way before the Spanish came in in their lust for gold and conquest.

So anyone that traded or a diplomatic relations with China is/was a vassel state?

That's classic.LOL!

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Ossan: "Japan does not hide behind the US."

Once again, they most certainly do.

"Japan hides behind Article 9."

Ah, so if they change Article 9 they'll suddenly be strong enough not to need the US? hahaha... how naive.

"Hopefully we will see a change, brought on by none other than China's territorial and military expansion."

You mean brought about by Ishihara and Japan's own bombast. But hey, if Japan wants to change and make a military and renounce one of the only things that makes it actually better than most other nations (ie. a constitution that renounces war), then let them lower themselves to the likes of China and others, as Ossan wants.

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

JoeBigs: "Now is the time to rid the nation of Article 9, arm up and truely put force behind those words."

Oh, please! Japan would never do a THING (clearly they can't even make speeches like this without) without the US present to hide behind. They're going to give the US every concession the US wants after a speech like this, if only to protect Japan from the blowback, and the US would never go to war over a few rocks -- in fact, despite saying they agree that Japan administers the islands, they refuse to say Japan has sovereignity, and have clearly stated it is a bilateral issue. Japan is the little nerd hiding behind an older and bigger friend while taunting a neighbour it could never, ever beat on its own.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

What Zybster and Rodriguez said!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Abe says he won't tolerate China island challenge

Whether Abe will or won't tolerate, it does not matter. He will be out of office soon. During his first term, he could not even manage his bowel movement. Let alone managing foreign and domestic affair. The more he talk, the more people understand how he is immature and arrogant. Touch talk will not solve anything.

It is unimaginable for who is hawkish, sharp tongue and big mouth like Yakuza gangsters is holding the highest executive office of Japan. There is no any diplomatic expression, decent smile or polite gesture from that PM. He is representing Japan in the international stage. He is not drinking in the local pub with his drunken mates.

All of his words are high noon, Gun fight at the OK coral and Wild West at the South China Sea. No wonder Air, Sea and Room temperature has risen since he has become PM. Like Grandpa, like Grandson who is spoiled by Aristocrat family.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

So Smith you want to see a new Imperial Army and Navy oh add to it an Imperial Air Force? You really want to wake up Nippon as a military power? I do not want to see it happen but if Nippon must to survive than be it. Then again we can "hide" behind Article #9 and NEVER again invade another country. Letting the Americans help defend is the price they pay. I say to Mainland China to give it up! Nippon can drop claim to the Liancourt Rocks and we can compromise with the Russians. Peace or war is up to the Chinese as there can not be a war without they themselves being the aggressors.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

@avigator, Iam a Filipino but was amazed at your historical awareness. But I do believe that the island Luzon came from the contraption of the word Lusong which is actually a local kind of mortar to separate the rice from its hull. As you see, before even until now Luzon is considered the rice granary of the Phils. It is from my humble opinion that the Chinese with their weakness in pronouncing words( which is prevalent even now) Name the island from that word Lusong and not the other way around. I still stand corrected though. As a whole and being a half Chinese at that and having lived here in Japan working with Chinese who are long time residents here, The Chinese here are do kind of a bully. The Chinese in the Phils are economically and financially powerful. They own majority of banks and businesses. there was a time when the local Chinatown is being referred to as Binondo Central Bank. Yet for all of these they never were and are a bully. There's a big difference between the Chinese in the Phils and here in Japan. Here, because of what Japan did during the war, it seems it is their right to claim part of Japan. It seems they may stay here and enjoy equal priveleges with the Japanese yet their loyalty is to their homeland. Quite alarming .

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Macau and Hong Kong were returned to China, but there is no agreement saying that these islands will be returned any time. I think they can't get it by force since it was never being controlled by the current PRC.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I see, Japan doesn't have the own umbrella protecting the country and PRC I believe doesn't want it too if they are smart.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

So anyone that traded or a diplomatic relations with China is/was a vassel state?

I have to admit I am not all that well versed on the history of the Philippines. And I am not about to blindly trust anyone here for a lesson. But I did have a look at Wiki for clues, and there is a great big suspicious hole in their telling. Its like Philippine history started with the Spanish colonization, and I KNOW that isn't true.

But when people bring up the Spratlys, they seem real quick to mention who has disputes with China, like Brunei, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. What they don't say is that even without China, these nations pretty much all have disputes with each other.

Ultimately most of the opinions expressed here are not about history or fairness. Most seem to be about liking Japan more than China, and with Dokdo, liking South Korea more than Japan, or at least seeing SK as first line of defense against NK.

Its sad to have grown adults thinking this way. And in the end, it won't help the world but will more likely drag us all into another stupid war. I don't much like China myself, but playing favorites is too much of a child's game for me.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Back on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Abe, just told China that if they got guts, solve it in ICJ.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Smithinjapan

Yeah, "our resolve" standing behind the US! He wouldn't be making this kind of speech at all if he weren't sure the US would stand behind them (in exchange for some back-room favours).

Hang on a minute. At the completion of WW2 the US deconstructed Japanese politics and other aspects of the social structure and inserted article 9 into the Japanese constitution. They then orchestrated the rebuilding of the country with their best interests at heart - economic benefits and military leverage. The US had, after all, spent a huge amount of money supporting the nationalist Kuomintang in China, and when they lost in the Chinese Civil war, made sure their subsequent move to Taiwan was well supported. They even sent the 7th fleet to the Taiwan Strait to prevent a conflict between the two in 1950. The US has long had it's eye on China and has very deliberately positioned itself to do so. So, given Artcile 9 and the last 60 years of history, why on earth would Japan NOT defer to their alliance with the US?! This is exactly what it is designed for, both from the US end, and the Japanese end. To do anything else is complete lunacy.

And to simply suggest they are hiding behind the US shows a tenuous understanding of the background to the issue at best.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

They then orchestrated the rebuilding of the country with their best interests at heart - economic benefits and military leverage.

Whose? Japan's or America's? If you are trying to say that the US rebuilt Japan with Japanese best interests at heart, I am going to disagree with you. The US even back then cared little about Japanese interests and only saw Japan as a buffer against the spread of communism.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

No, I mean their own - the US's.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

No, I mean their own - the US's.

Thank you for the clarification.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What's Abe going to do to China? lol. Motor mouth keeps running his mouth, that's all he can do. Japan can't do anything at all. It's not a major economic power anymore, as it thinks it is. Its economy is broke, and facing total collapse in trade, while its account surplus will completely dissappear by next year, and Japan will soon be a non-creditor nation at the mercy of its aging creditors who are just doing what they are told by their government. Japan needs China far more badly, than China needs Japan. Abe and Japanese are so out of touch with reality here, it's not even funny.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

So, given Artcile 9 and the last 60 years of history, why on earth would Japan NOT defer to their alliance with the US?! This is exactly what it is designed for, both from the US end, and the Japanese end. To do anything else is complete lunacy.

I think the lunacy is in that complete strawman. Nobody is criticizing Abe for deferring to the U.S. alliance. They are criticizing Abe for talking tough when we all know he will defer to the U.S. alliance. We all know that he will tolerate whatever the U.S. decides he will tolerate.

But rest assured, your strawman is not worse than when the article turned this "We simply cannot tolerate any challenge now and in the future.", into this "Abe says he won't tolerate China island challenge". How does "We cannot tolerate" become "I won't tolerate"? Such poor journalistic standards ought be punishable with jail time.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Abe said that no one contested Japan’s sovereignty between 1895, when Tokyo annexed the islands, and 1971

Funny but the US you "robust" ally doesn't even side with you on the sovereignty question......

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Steve Christian

Abe will not tolerate anyone unless he got his way. He will look for new claim even that issue has settled. He won the office due to nationalist movement. Repeating Nationalist speeches are pleasing his targeted domestic audience.

Japan used to claim as that islet is part of Okinawa. Ryuku or Okinawa was annexed in1874. Senkaku or Diaoyu became part of Japan in1895. If Senkaku belong to Okinawa, why was many years gap between 1874 to 1895? It is obvious that it was later land grabbing. It lacks the credibility as part of Okinawa.

When Sanfransisco treaty was singed both PRC and ROC were not present due to civil war. Later on Japan singed Taipei treaty with US witness. According that treaty, Japan surrendered to Taiwan all territories conquered since1895. Taiwanese fishermen have been fishing there for more than 2 centuries. That islet is very close to Taiwan rather than Okinawa chain or Hainan island.

Legally, Geographically, Morally, Taiwan is eligible for claiming as sovereign owner. As a non Japanese or Chinese or Taiwanese, I have no bias about that issue. Taiwan can submit Taipei treaty in ICJ as proof if Abe has a gut to go.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Steve Christian

They are criticizing Abe for talking tough when we all know he will defer to the U.S. alliance.

Sure they are. They, are also the crowd who will jump up and down and bleat on about how 'concerning' it is that a 'right wing nationalist' Abe is talking about amending the constitution, or revisting Article 9 so that Japan is no longer bound so closely by such an alliance and can actually fight their own battles. You'll hear them talk about 'Imperialsim' and other such rubbish. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.

Your 'strawman' is just a geopolitical reality and complete commonsense from Japan's perspective. Why should they tolerate Chinese aggression at all?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

We are well overdue for another war....

0 ( +1 / -1 )

he can only talk this talk coz the real prez is behind him...thats all

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Japan and China are both in a mess. Those who talk tough about China simply because the US is Japans big daddy should be careful what they wish for. Any confrontation with China wouldnt be a simple task.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The content of his speech about China was more or less expected. How about TPP & Takeshima/ Dokdo ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

smithinjapanFeb. 23, 2013 - 12:24PM JST "Ossan: "Japan does not hide behind the US" They most certainly do... or do you think he would make the same speech at an Asian summit?

J-bashers are always making the puerile claim that Japan is "hiding behind the US". Yet if Japan were not, they'd be the first to cry about "Japanese Imperialism". So which is it? Whether you like it or not the US-Japan alliance is the strongest military alliance the United States has in East Asia and has acted as the pivot point for US operations since the Korean War (1950/51). Japan is no more "hiding" behind the US than any country allied with the United States, especially when the US provides the leverage of nuclear capability. This includes Australia, EU (Nato), and even South Korea.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

“The doors are always open on my side for the Chinese leaders,” Abe said."

Yeah, but he did not mention he will cause the door to close the next day by saying something to provoke China making a deal impossible. Mind you, just say something, nothing military, so a very subtle way to poison the atmosphere. Great show biz by a professional politician.

Ever notice Japanese politicians good at talking from both sides of their mouth?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The "nine-dotted line" is clearly an expansionist policy. Only in this case it is about water rather than land. More specifically, it is about the sea bed rather than some barren islands that serve as "markers". These issues have been hashed out during the cold war in such areas as the waters between Cuba and the Florida Keys. Why didn't China say something then when the international conventions were drawn up?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Why is Abe tolerating the Korean control of Takeshima?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

A 2 days 1 night tour trip to US, no formal welcoming and sending off, most of the time murmuring to himself. sucessful eh? Well, he said that, "have absolutely no intention to climb up the escalation ladder", will he not to? I bet a 6 months term, enough? Obama will have to meet the 6th or maybe more of the Abemaniac alike.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Strong words are easy to say and lead to more. Would he say them if the US was not there to back him.. Japan desperately needs natural gas and I hope it produces a lot for them... but won't do any good if there is war

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned Beijing that Tokyo is losing patience with China's assertive maritime behavior in the East and South China seas, suggesting China consider the economic and military consequences of its actions.

His warning followed similar statements from Washington that its patience with China is wearing thin, in this case over continued Chinese cyberespionage and the likelihood that Beijing is developing and testing cybersabotage and cyberwarfare capabilities.

Together, the warnings are meant to signal to China that the thus-far relatively passive response to China's military actions are over.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

lachance, nice interpretation, but wrong. Abe’s words were already expected. What else could he say about China if not acting firm? Remember what he said after that though, he just didn’t want to upset China too much for fear of economic consequences. About cyber security, CIA admitted that they were probing China’s military websites and China has the evidence. What funny is most of the claimed cyber-attacks from China had to do technology and not military related. Now think which is worse. China might have done it for economic reasons but the US did it for military reasons.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Big talk from a country that isn't even a paper tiger.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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