Ceremony marks launch of land-to-ship missile unit on Okinawa island

“as Japan beefs up its defenses amid China's maritime assertiveness.”

And China beefs up its defences amid the USA's and Japan's.

Isn't this all a little childish and a waste of time and money?

What exactly are they going to shoot at? Seems like a pretty cushy job.

CCP fans out in force as usual.

Japan is beefing up it's defenses because of China's behavior.

The US is beefing up it's pacific defenses because of China's behavior.

Jut about every nation in the Asia-Pacific is beefing up it;s defenses because of China's behavior.

China's behavior consists of making a claim on nearly the entire South China Sea, attempting to take by force islands owned by other nations by bullying tactics and total disregard for international law. And of course continuing to threaten Taiwan with invasion.

Deterring and stopping a militant expansionist dictatorship is never a waste of money.

What's the use of planting and beefing up SDF bases in Okinawa where there are so many U.S. bases already? What role will the U.S. bases play in such a state of affairs? What's the use of building Futenma's replacement in Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa?

Questions and doubts pile up the more, the more one thinks about it.

I understand preparing defenses, but it should always be in conjunction with diplomatic efforts. The threat from China must also be differentiated between real and perceived, and not just based on the hysteria from politicians who will be nowhere near the battle lines should it hit the fan.

These need to be present by the thousands.

What’s the use of doing anything?

Just go ahead and hand the keys to the island to Xi now?…oh and start studying chinese too, might as well.

BertieWoosterToday 06:53 am JST

“as Japan beefs up its defenses amid China's maritime assertiveness.”

And China beefs up its defences amid the USA's and Japan's.

Isn't this all a little childish and a waste of time and money?

China's the one demanding to go toe to toe with the US Navy despite never having lost any territory since the PRC was created.

dbsaiyaToday 09:46 am JST

I understand preparing defenses, but it should always be in conjunction with diplomatic efforts. The threat from China must also be differentiated between real and perceived, and not just based on the hysteria from politicians who will be nowhere near the battle lines should it hit the fan.

The largest navy in the world and regular provocations against Taiwan, which effects Japan, are not fiction.

dbsaiyaToday  09:46 am JST

I understand preparing defenses, but it should always be in conjunction with diplomatic efforts. The threat from China must also be differentiated between real and perceived, and not just based on the hysteria from politicians 

"China's Xi tells military to deepen war, combat planning, Xinhua reports"

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-xi-tells-military-deepen-war-combat-planning-xinhua-2023-07-06/

"Xi Jinping tells China’s army to focus on preparation for war"

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/09/xi-jinping-tells-chinas-army-to-focus-on-preparation-for-war

"Xi Jinping Says He Is Preparing China for War"

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2023/03/30/xi-jinping-says-he-is-preparing-china-for-war/

Here's a look at the Type-12 missile.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/08/here-is-our-first-look-at-japans-type-12-ssm-upgraded/

Total waste of money.

"Here’s why Japan putting missiles on Okinawa matters to China"

"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM7yLb6VgnM"

Questions and doubts pile up the more, the more one thinks about it.

No not really, just Japan stepping up and playing it's part and taking a more active roll in it's defense. Kudos to the Japanese government too.

Oh and BTW, it's about time ya'll anti-US military folks wake up and smell the coffee. Okinawa is an essential part of the link in the defense of Japan, as is the key to defending the southern gateway to Japan.

This is just proper procedure and prior planning with the expected move of thousands of US Marines over the next few years, and will bolster the defense even further.

You should be happy and joyful that Japan is taking a larger roll in the defense of the country!

Isn't this all a little childish and a waste of time and money?

Dont be so naïve.

I will be happy and joyful the day Japan truly stands up and boots the US military from its land and shores. Is Japan so deficient in its abilities that it needs non Japanese military forces stationed on its territory? That will also be the day that Japan truly reengages with its fellow East Asian countries.

@deanzaZZR: Is Japan so deficient in its abilities

Reading a bit of history. might help answer your question. Reading about what Xi and Putin are saying about preparing for war might also help.

@deanzazzr

Ridiculous!!

If the US wasn't in this part of Asia assisting it's allies, you would have the dictators of Russia, China and North Korea out of control!!

Look at the current behavior of these countries now.

Japan enjoys a good relationship with several SE Asian countries (Philippines, Vietnam, ASEAN) much more than the middle kingdom.

Please, don't glom Russia and North Korea into the discussion of present day China. @PTownsend I think I have a pretty good grip on East Asian history, both current and pre-modern. Please share some links or book titles.

When talking about related Japanese history the image that comes to mind is USA Commodore Perry steaming into Edo Bay demanding access and unequal treaties. Some things do not change.

Concentrating military facility to Okinawa means military attack concentrate to Okinawa when wartime. Always unjust LDP government push risk to Okinawa and its citizen, intend to exploit Okinawa as shield for mainland of Japan.

It's natural that Okinawa opposes government.

Balancing behavior as there are no security concerns with those distant countries, Answer me this, which island nation has territorial disputes with all three neighboring countries?

Well done Japan! now finally Japan, US, Philippines together forming a strong front line toward the commies, just let them felt the power and determination of the Alliance, and show the world the Axis of Evils (Russia NK and chicom) cant do whatever they like in the East Asia region

Japan is in arm racing making excuse of china. If it wasn’t china or anyone else, the excuse would be the gold fish treat from the ocean to justify arming.

@WOK Maritime territorial disputes can be troublesome, see Japan and its maritime territorial disputes with South Korea, Russia and China. That's an undeniable 3 for 3 situation.

The bigger picture view here is that Japan has these territorial disputes all under the thumb of the USA military. For true Japanese nationalists, this must feel a bit uncomfortable. 天皇陛下万歳.

Next to the new missile site is Joint Naval Base White Beach, a critical node in Japan and the U.S.'s monitoring and anti-submarine capabilities. A small number of protesters showed up with "No Missile" and "No War" signs, saying they are dangerous and similar. Actually, anti-ship and anti-air missiles have been present in Okinawa for several decades. There are also thousands of missiles stockpiled in Okinawa. These short-range defensive weapons and the personnel are here to protect Okinawa.

How about Japan get some nukes in exchange for the US leaving? Would you still be whistling a happy tune?

Japan has had almost 80 years to show the world how much of a team player its willing to be and become part of the international community.

If japan thinks having 3000 personnel deployed to defend it's remote islands is a massive accomplishment then it's laughable.

The USA will do as usual and only step in at the last minute to rebuild take ove the territory - after it's helped to fund the destruction of course

So far, eleven people have given a negative appraisal on my comment. Probably, those eleven people will counter me by pointing out the assertiveness of rising China for making their appraisal of me as such.

The problem here is that with no regard to China's assertiveness, the U.S. seems to be determined to maintain bases in Japan, especially in Okinawa, for good. 

One must notice that having foreign troops on one's own soil for so many years is a very abnormal thing. The irony is that JSDF is helping the U.S. by making SDF complement U.S. Forces in Japan, whose presence is no different from actual occupation.

One must notice that having foreign troops on one's own soil for so many years is a very abnormal thing. 

If my neighbors were as large and awful as China or Russia, I would welcome an ally's troops on my soil any day. Actually, I do anyway, because allies train and prepare for war constantly, so that we may have peace. Real peace, not the kind Russia is pushing on Ukraine.

@voiceofokinawa Do you actually want Okinawa to be part of China? How soon would you like that to occur?

deanzaZZRToday 11:57 am JST

I will be happy and joyful the day Japan truly stands up and boots the US military from its land and shores.

Presumably so China can then invade Japan, given the content of your comments.

JohnToday  01:42 pm JST

Japan is in arm racing making excuse of china. If it wasn’t china or anyone else, the excuse would be the gold fish treat from the ocean to justify arming.

The US has been trying to get Japan to "re-arm: since 1950 without success, China's beligerent behavior today has accomplisjed where the U.S. has failed for 74 years.

Now bring that way up north to the other troublemaker.

UChosePoorly & Richard Burgan

Commodore Matthew Perry went to Tokyo Bay via Ryukyu (Okinawa) to pry open the closed doors of seclusive Japan and recommended his superiors back in Washington that the U.S. take Okinawa by force and make it a bastion for the U.S. to advance to Asia.

The U. S. fought the Battle of Okinawa and occupied the islands at a great human cost and material sacrifice.

Was there a China threat at the time? You both seem to say that unless the U.S. maintains bases and troops in Okinawa, in no time it would be part of China.

You have no right to direct and decide on our destiny.

deanzaZZRMar. 31  12:44 pm JST

Balancing behavior as there are no security concerns with those distant countries, Answer me this, which island nation has territorial disputes with all three neighboring countries?

All three are the result of other nations taking advantage of a war-defeated Japan and a country unable to use military force to settle territorial disputes due to it's constitution.

Southern Kuriles- taken by USSR after Japan surrendered in WWII. Considered Japanese Territory by the US, UK and EU under Russian occupation.

Liancourt Rocks - Unilateraly taken by South Koreans Syngman Rhee regime after WWII.. The US was so alarmed by this that they recommended Japan take SKorea to the ICJ over it. To this date Japan has requested ICJ settlement three times, and SKorea has refused each time,

Senkaku Islands - Became Japanese territory through incorporation as terra nulleas in 1895 in accordance with international protocols. Exempt from territorial removal under the Cairo Declaration. Clearly part of Okinawa and even appears as such on Chinese maps of the 1960s.

Hope this helps.

voiceofokinawaToday 08:00 am JST

The U. S. fought the Battle of Okinawa and occupied the islands at a great human cost and material sacrifice.

Was there a China threat at the time?

No, that was about WW2 although within five years, we could see the threat from China.

You both seem to say that unless the U.S. maintains bases and troops in Okinawa, in no time it would be part of China.

You have no right to direct and decide on our destiny.

Sorry but Okinawa will not be joining the PRC or be independent anymore than Hawaii will be.

Was there a China threat at the time? You both seem to say that unless the U.S. maintains bases and troops in Okinawa, in no time it would be part of China.

I guess you forgot about the 1950 invasion of South Korean by the Soviet and PRC supported North Koreans, That was preceded by the 1948-1949 Soviet blockade of Berlin and the Berlin Airlift. There was also more or less continuous air and sea battles over the Taiwan Strait between Communist and Nationalist forces and Chinese shelling of some Nationalist controlled islands near the Chinese mainland. In the early 1950s it looked like both the Soviets and the Chinese might move on Japan, South Korea and Taiwan given a chance.

voiceofokinawaToday  08:00 am JST

The U. S. fought the Battle of Okinawa and occupied the islands at a great human cost and material sacrifice.

Was there a China threat at the time? You both seem to say that unless the U.S. maintains bases and troops in Okinawa, in no time it would be part of China.

The US and Japan fought in Okinawa in 1945. At that time "China" was the Republic of China, todays's Taiwan.

The Peoples Repbklic of China (aka PROC, PRC,Communist China.Red China) which now calls itself "China" did not exuist until 1949.

But you know this very well and are just playing games with words.

Regardless of who controls present-day China, the U.S. wants to keep Okinawa as its bastion to maintain its hegemony over this vast Pacific region. 

In other words., U. S. forces are deployed here primarily for the sake of its own; they're stationed here not necessarily for protecting us. One must understand this hard fact first and foremost.

In other words., U. S. forces are deployed here primarily for the sake of its own; they're stationed here not necessarily for protecting us. One must understand this hard fact first and foremost.

So black and white. How have you ruled out it being some combination of both?

Great location to be station at with new toys coming in 12 months. The ultimate posting for a young keen Japanese patriort soldiers.

I don't believe in war and violence but I believe in self defense and fighting to protect what you love. I don't want to see any other country go through what Ukraine is going through, so it is a blessing that the US presence in Okinawa is keeping China in check

Strangerland,

I don't quite understand what you mean by "black" and "white". 

Is "white" an American occupation and "black" a Chinese one? And you further go on to say Okinawa had better live under a combination of both.

An arcane logic, indeed.

Dont be so obtuse. USFJ protect Japan an and serve US and allied interests. Those interests include maintaining peace in the region, which would greatly affect Japan and other Asian nations.

If there was no benefit to Japan they would terminate the agreement giving one year's notice.

You have no right to direct and decide on our destiny.

Oh the irony, you cant decide who you want to take charge either. Okinawa is a part of Japan, and Japan controls it's own destiny, and Japan has decided that it WANTS the US military here.

One prefecture has zero right to determine what is right for the entire country.

And it's funny how you feel you have the right to dictate what the country should be doing. Rather arrogant to say the least.

Strangerland,

I don't quite understand what you mean by "black" and "white"

It's an analogy for a binary thinker, someone who thinks in only two possibilities, and the reality can only be entirely one, or entirely the other, without being able to see nuance that lies somewhere between.

In other words., U. S. forces are deployed here primarily for the sake of its own; they're stationed here not necessarily for protecting us. One must understand this hard fact first and foremost.

As I said, how have you eliminated the possibility of it being both?

Strangerland,

So, you want to say U. S. troops are deployed here as both occupying and deterrent forces. If so, the USFJ is no different from a ring of swashbuckling gangsters, who tout that they are in town not only for their own sake but also for protecting people in the turf from outside threats.

So, you want to say U. S. troops are deployed here as both occupying and deterrent forces

I didn’t say anything one way or the other, I asked you for clarification of an assertion you made. Which you still have not clarified.

Strangerland,

Which you still have not clarified.

What is it that you want me to clarify?

What is it that you want me to clarify?

I’m not sure why you need me to copy paste when it’s right there in this thread. But here you go:

U. S. forces are deployed here primarily for the sake of its own; they're stationed here not necessarily for protecting us. One must understand this hard fact first and foremost.

———————

How have you ruled out it being some combination of both?

You’re welcome.

Strangerland,

When Okinawa's reversion was being negotiated between Tokyo and Washington, a leader in a Southeast Asian country expressed his concerns about it to a visiting U.S. diplomat, pointing out the possibility of the revival of pre-war Japan's vicious militarism.

The diplomat replied: “No worry.　We've taken the measure already." Thus, if my conjecture was correct, Washington wants its military to be deployed in Japan forever, that would always function as a watch dog to keep the genie out of the bottle.

That didn't clarify this:

how have you eliminated the possibility of it being both?

Strangerland.

Do you think Futenma's replacement now under construction in Henoko, Okinawa, absolutely necessary for the defense of Japan when a future war, should there be any, will be fought mainly with missiles and drones? Isn't U.S. Marine Corps undergoing transformation in anticipation of that?

Tokyo and Washington have agreed that it's the JSDF that has primary responsibility to defend Japan's own territory. What do you think about it?

Why is Washington so recalcitrant to maintain bases and capabilities intact in Japan, particularly in Okinawa, despite these facts?

History has taught us, if you want peace, prepare for war.

Ukraine wanted peace and gave away all their nuclear assets to prove it. How'd that work out?

Taiwan wants peace, but they aren't prepared to handle attacks of 500 aircraft with bombs, fighters, and airborne soldiers to drop into key places in the sneak attack that Xi has promised. Taiwan is barely ready for ship-only invasions.

Japan needs to be ready for war to keep the peace. All SE Asian countries need to be ready for war for similar reasons.

There is 1 country who has been belligerent towards their neighbors since the new dictator came to power, back peddling on agreements, international laws, and making people who disagree with his "thoughts" disappear in the name of harmony for the state. Bet you can name this person. Power is too concentrated in that country.