politics

Asia seeks Obama's assurance in territorial spats

15 Comments
By JULIE PACE

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15 Comments
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@jerseyboy,

I'm assuming you mean Japan, because neither South Korea nor the Philippines are part of the TPP negotiations.

Its not hypocritical, at all. The US, after WWII, made sure that Japan's military would not be able to function properly without their aid.

So, whether TPP is being forced down their throats or not is a separate issue. There does need to be smaller American footprint in Japan, but only when Japan is able to overturn the damage done to its security apparatus by the US government post-WWII (damage which was not entirely unjustified, btw).

2 ( +4 / -2 )

If he'd lost credibility, people wouldn't need his assurance. The US overall however has lost credibility, due to it's inability to function without fighting itself tooth an nail over every single decision. Particularly when it's decisions like trying to have everyone insured, something the rest of the first world takes as a base minimum of how to treat their people. Hard to respect anyone who would fight that

While important domestically it's doubtful the rest of the world is interested in America's policies pertaining to universal health care, welfare (or lack there of) and reliance on food stamps for much of the population.

What America's allies have noticed is despite all the tough talking, they've done nothing to prevent strategic rivals from stripping territory from nations friendly to the USA.

Given Japan's own disputes with China, SKorea Russia and Taiwan it's understandable that they'd sit up and take notice of this inaction. A stay at home USA may be a prelude to an intensifying arms race in Asia.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

“TPP is part of Obama's "pivot" strategy towards Asia, just like an increased military presence is. All being done to control China, which will benefit Japan greatly. So if Japan wants the U.S. military might behind it, then it has to even out things in other ways.”

jerseyboy, Well said. Here is the thing, apparently Japan wants do cheeypick on what is beneficial for it and discard the rest.

I am afraid that In the end, Japan would be forced to pay hefty prices. Everywhere you look in Japan today, shortsightedness is the dominating force from geopolitical arena to social security safety net. Japan's rise-and-fall, if one studies Japaneses history carefully, dwells on this unfortunate characteristic.

Hopefully, Japan will be able to do some longterm planing, not put focus on the shortterm gains.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Their leaders will be weighing Obama’s willingness to support them if those conflicts boil over.

Hypocrites. Usually the U.S. is portrayed as the big, bad bully wanting to push things like TPP down the throats of folks like the Japanese, just so they can sell more rice. But when they need the promise of U.S. force to keep China at bay, suddenly its all different.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

It seems Obamas has lost credibility internationally through failed policies and idle talk.

If he'd lost credibility, people wouldn't need his assurance.

The US overall however has lost credibility, due to it's inability to function without fighting itself tooth an nail over every single decision. Particularly when it's decisions like trying to have everyone insured, something the rest of the first world takes as a base minimum of how to treat their people. Hard to respect anyone who would fight that.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

If he'd lost credibility, people wouldn't need his assurance.

People are going to seek the favor of the world police no matter what, especially since the world police oppose China. They are not looking at the little time Obama has left. They are looking decades ahead.

But lets not forget that Japan has a territory dispute with South Korea, and Malaysia has one or two with the Philippines. Its going to be real interesting to see if they try to get Obama on board with those disputes too.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I have seen failure in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Libya, Iraq, and Russia. If I dig deeper I can find more.

Certainly you can, but none have anything to do with the US. At which point is it not appropriate to demand that these civilizations take responsibility for their own affairs? At which point does international conflict cease to be America's fault?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

It seems Obamas has lost credibility internationally through failed policies and idle talk.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Certainly you can, but none have anything to do with the US

But US's actions and responses suggests otherwise

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

MarkGApr. 20, 2014 - 07:26AM JST

It seems Obamas has lost credibility internationally through failed policies and idle talk.

????????

That's a mediocre perception of American public.

Actually, he and Kelly are doing great. You are not seeing everything what's going on.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The security issues and the economic issues and the diplomatic ones are so intertwined that you cannot work them separately. The word is "confluence". The U.S. is a Pacific power and intends to remain one.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I have seen failure in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Libya, Iraq, and Russia. If I dig deeper I can find more.

We all speculate Global, precious few of us actually know what really goes on. We elect our officials and have faith in their decisions and appointments to do hats best.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

So, whether TPP is being forced down their throats or not is a separate issue.

Mgigante -- horsefeathers. That is typical Japanese-talk -- let's try to separate the issues so we don't have to try to actually form a comprehensive relationship. TPP is part of Obama's "pivot" strategy towards Asia, just like an increased military presence is. All being done to control China, which will benefit Japan greatly. So if Japan wants the U.S. military might behind it, then it has to even out things in other ways. Or are you going to pretend, like the Japanese apparently want to, that the U.S. taxpayers aren't footing the bill for all those ships and planes? And maybe giving them, and the U.S. Congress, something positive in the trade area might just help Obama accomplish what he needs to.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

MarkGApr. 20, 2014 - 10:51AM JST

I have seen failure in Egypt, Israel, Syria, Libya, Iraq, and Russia. If I dig deeper I can find more.

We all speculate Global, precious few of us actually know what really goes on. We elect our officials and have faith in their decisions and appointments to do hats best.

????? No more Bush doctrine please.

Please analyze the entire global situations correctly. When do you sign up for a military service, Mark G? I respect your opinion if you are a man enough to do so. Thanks.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

TPP and US military presence and "partnership" are two different thoughts entirely. One is financial business driven and the other is national safety not questioned in previous US administrations.

With a limited JDF capabilities imposed almost 70 years ago and US presence during that time, Japan may be a bit venerable w/o USA. No use of active military in nearly 70 years may leave a lack of confidence. China on the other hand has the West right where it needs them. Dependent on China! Production, minerals, and financially.

Since I saw in the news the Tiananmen Square standoff I swore of supporting China in my own way. I avoid purchasing Chinese made products as much as possible. It can be done with a bit of effort and awareness. Just imagine if that were done by 10 or 50 million consumers worldwide. Maybe jobs can come back to those nations needing them.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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