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China and Russia increasing military collaboration, Japan foreign minister warns

57 Comments
By KARL RITTER and DAVID KEYTON

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57 Comments

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China... blaming the U.S. and NATO for provoking the conflict.

I would like to hear Beijing's explanation for that belief. How can the West have a meaningful dialog with a government that is laboring under a conspiracy theory?

9 ( +19 / -10 )

China , says it has the right to defend its sovereignty and development interests.

Of course nations have the right to defend their sovereignty, but China, similar to Russia in Ukraine and elsewher, seems to be claiming that their imagined ideal territory, is in fact sovereign, when instead it's just the territory that has resources they want to take to make the CCP/Kremlin members even richer. Next the China-Russia-Iran-North Korea bloc of totalitarian nations will try to say the Antarctic and Arctic regions are theirs. Look how much of the planet's land mass is in actual Chinese Russian sovereign territory, and they want even more?

4 ( +14 / -10 )

NATO is weak ineffective organization,that do not have the guts to pacify Russian on their own soil,while Russian pound Ukraine back into the stone age,like the nature boy say (Too Be The Man ,You Got Too Beat The Man)

-18 ( +6 / -24 )

Dear Japan, instead of complaining, team up with them, you'll do much better than with good old US...

-4 ( +12 / -16 )

Yet you've still got the hide to do business with both of them. Pathetic.

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

Lots of people are tired of insecure Japanese politicians open the their mouth and writing a check ,their butts cannot cash

-8 ( +7 / -15 )

@JeffLee

I'd recommend you read 'Nyet Mean Nyet' 2008 diplomatic cable from CIA director William J. Burns (available to us thanks to WikiLeaks). In said cable the then US ambassador to Moscow writes, "Ukraine and Georgia's NATO aspirations not only touch a raw nerve in Russia, the engender serious concerns about the consequences for stability in the region. Not only does Russia perceive encirclement, and efforts to undermine Russia's influence in the region, but it also fears unpredictable and uncontrolled consequences which would seriously affect Russian security interests. Experts tell us that Russia is particularly worried that the strong divisions in Ukraine over NATO membership, with much of the ethnic-Russian community against membership, could lead to a major split, involving violence or at worst, civil war. In that eventuality, Russia would have to decide whether to intervene; a decision Russia does not want to have to face."

10 ( +12 / -2 )

I sure don’t want to be in Japan when the war kicks off. Going to be huge civilian casualties and no where to run.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

I guess even awful countries get lonely sometimes and just need a friend.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

They had that weird alliance during the Vietnam war too. That is if my memory is right.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

“In addition, China and Russia are strengthening their military collaboration, including joint flights of their bombers and joint naval exercises in the vicinity of Japan,” Hayahshi said.

Lol ! NATO, QUAD, AUKUS , Not to mention other numerous bilateral military “ co-operations “ Japan has with individual European and Asian countries ... but let’s only look at Ruso-Chinese ? Why not the totality ?

3 ( +10 / -7 )

The fact is that the west is seeing a too powerful China emerging which threatens it on many fronts.

Cynically,it’s fair to say that a war with China would benefit sectors of the economy in Japan as the Korean War previously did

It would also cause a great many deaths, many of which would be elderly

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

It’s a marriage of convenience. The Chinese and the Russians train together with the Chinese providing the spare parts so that the Russian equipment doesn’t crash or sink. The Russians provide the nab equipment so that the Chinese don’t wander into the Southern Pacific and just disappear.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Japan's foreign minister warns

not very convincing, since it's coming from him.

any back up sources? kishida? Aso?

give me a break!

0 ( +6 / -6 )

They are doing non thing more/difference from you. Or, are you saying i can do whatever i want, while you can't. Its moronic.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

China and Russia increasing their military collaboration, Japan's foreign minister warns

Just shut up! Those idiots managed to put Russia in the arms of China instead of making them an ally of us. Russia was meant to be an integral part of Europe have the US stopped their imperialist policy and Europe to be their puppets.

This de facto has put China in a position of force and radically increased their offensive strategies. History showed us that creating big blocks of antagonist military powers against each other does not end well. But the same idiots who played chickens with COVID are now playing the tough guys card while impoverishing their working population and threatening the security of the world.

-10 ( +6 / -16 )

@daito hak

Just shut up! 

Easy way to see who will try to make a wrong statement, begins with demanding the other side to shut up.

Those idiots managed to put Russia in the arms of China instead of making them an ally of us.

The one that did that was Putin, he needed no extra help.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Yes and of course Japan has not been ramping up any military alliance with anyone, i.e. recent Time magazine cover story.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

I just read the news about this meeting in the Swedish media. No mention about China, Russia or Hayashi-san. Only about Swedish weapon deliveries. Funny how the same event is depicted so differently in different countries.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

“In addition, China and Russia are strengthening their military collaboration, including joint flights of their bombers and joint naval exercises in the vicinity of Japan,” Hayahshi said

is this entey the sole basis for the title in the long article? most readers probably didn't even see it

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Asked whether the EU was hoping to convince Indo-Pacific countries to align with the bloc's stance on the conflict, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “We don't want to convince anyone. We just want to share our analysis of the causes and consequences of the war.”

Prudent

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Always very tricky to answer the press

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Who isn't?

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Explosion outside the city of Khmelnitsky approximately 160km from the Romanian border. Possibly the second largest non-nuclear explosion ever. A strike and small explosion followed by a massive explosion. Then another 17 seconds later another massive explosion. Preliminary analysis is that over US$500 million of NATO weapons and ammunition up in smoke.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Russia has previously accused China of illegally copying their fighter jets designs, so all the best to them if they want to collaborate with China militarily.

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-russia-accused-china-of-copying-its-stealth-fighter-design-2022-10?IR=T

It's true that Russia-China alliance is an alliance of convenience, more out of their mutual suspicion of the West than anything else.

Russians are not stupid enough to trust the Chinese but they have no choice as of now given that the West has driven both Russia and China into each other's bear hug. The wiser policy would have been to drive them apart and then take them on individually, but that seems beyond the grasp of the policy wonks in Washington DC.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Collaboration natural amongst allies. Not just military, also all matters economic and diplomatic. That would include China and Russia, like US and NATO with Ukraine.

Key reason Mid-East China brokered peace reproachment this spring was an effort to diversify their partners, China specifically. All of OPEC now bypassing dollar when transacting with China for example and so is Russia.

Dollar too risky, too much inflation relative to STABLE Yuan. Easy to understand, China's recent inflation less than 1%, making their currency very attractive relative to dollar or other western currencies with much higher inflation and central bank money printing.

Ditto food and agricultural products like Fertilizers, any country including China wants its farmers to have high crop yields and plenty of food in stores, especially in world with falling food production and high food inflation. Russia a natural partner.

China's BIG appeal for Global collaboration, stable currency, high economic growth, track record of NOT being disruptive towards its partners. Can we name even ONE Chinese war, other than minor border tensions, China's not invaded any country of late.

China rightly figured there are NO NEW Democracies, entire World looking for something else, Collaboration and Stability vs. Constant Interference & Disruption

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

This is excellent news. There’ll be a counter balance to AUKUS. Deterrence keeps peace.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

This is excellent news. There’ll be a counter balance to AUKUS. Deterrence keeps peace.

Agreed, we don't hear much about Pakistan and India's problems anymore now do we?!

US NATO and their many proxies and many Wars, plus crazy central bank money printing and global inflation Created GLOBAL desire for counterbalance = China

China's offering Stability, Growth, Non-Interference and Currency without Toxic Inflation

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

I'm afraid it might get a lot worse before it gets better.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

US NATO and their many proxies 

The US has just acquired shiny new bases in the Philippines on when they can preposition materials and oersonnel

0 ( +3 / -3 )

The US has just acquired shiny new bases in the Philippines on when they can preposition materials and oersonnel

They’ll be able to use those bases too. That they’re not allowed to is only Marcos wanting his Chinese investment cake and eat it too.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Somehow it is not surprising that the dictators, Xi and Putin, see more to like in each other, with their imperial ambitions, than in the leaders of the democracies. The democracies would like to be left alone, to further the well being of their people, while the dictators want to conquer their neighbors.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

They’ll be able to use those bases too. That they’re not allowed to is only Marcos wanting his Chinese investment cake and eat it too.

Investments will probably dry up soon as a direct consequence of giving the bases, let's see

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The democracies would like to be left alone, to further the well being of their people, while the dictators want to conquer their neighbors.

It sounds good, good guys vs. bad guys, only problem is if you look at who's involved in all these wars and destabilization globally, US lead player by far to include NATO etc.

Democracy's too unstable, too many risky special interests, makes it really tough to collaborate with as partners. That's why Democracy's on the decline. Real question's how to revitalize Democracy, make it More Appealing, LESS Disruptive and MORE Stable?

Take Western Democratic Central Banks, countries across world blame them for Inflation sweeping globe. UK has +10% inflation now, Germany +9%, China and its economy and currency, Beacon of STABILITY in Comparision, less than 1% inflation. Global South not interested in toxic disruption called 'Democracy' or currencies with high inflation.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The Chinese Russian collaboration is a good thing for world peace!

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

NATO is weak ineffective organization,that do not have the guts to pacify Russian on their own soil

Russia is a weak ineffective country that do not have the guts to attack NATO countries and instead attacking poor Ukraine

Why do ya think Russia doesn't want Ukraine in NATO? Because if Ukraine joins NATO, Russia can't attack it anymore

China's offering Stability, Growth, Non-Interference and Currency without Toxic Inflation

Oh, how did that work out for Sri Lanka? Now China owns Sri Lanka's newest seaport since Sri Lanka stupidly signed up to China's loan shark secretive contract that it has no way to pay back

Dear Japan, instead of complaining, team up with them, you'll do much better than with good old US...

Japan's democracy would not survive if it teamed up with autocratic regimes

Do ya want someone like Trump being elected in Japan?

Who wants Japan to become autocratic? Anyone? Anyone?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Choose your poison, but who wants to live under the combined shadows of Russia & China?

I’ll take democracy over that any day.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

The democracies would like to be left alone, to further the well being of their people, while the dictators want to conquer their neighbors.

Left alone to do what invade other countries and murder its people like Iraq?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Democracy is not in decline. Countries that actually allow political discourse and genuine opposition are strong. Russia is an illusion of strength, a house of cards.

Deep Collaboration between counties that's sustained and durable requires stability. That's just not Democracy these days if we're frank, rather it;s opposite of stability.

Chinese has found a good model, serious party system that does not tolerate special interests and corruption, receipt for stability. Society at large at least trusts the system there and their intentions to help build a better future. Democracy's missing that, pure chaos and disruption.

G-7's not helping to build new Democracies, just take the example of Turkey, their democratic partner? Disgraceful and perfectly captures why counties globally attracted to stability China and others offer relative to Democracy.

Far easier to collaborate with such partners like China, as far less disruptive than their US led Democratic counterparts, that thrive on disruption, just like their chaotic politics.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

The correct way to deal with China is 1, decouple and 2, contain. In other words, move the already threatened supply chains out of China and fortify the First, Second and Third Island Chains. China is waging Cold War 2.0 and the rest of the world should at least go back to the 1.0 strategies and improve from there.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

ianToday  05:38 pm JST

The democracies would like to be left alone, to further the well being of their people, while the dictators want to conquer their neighbors.

Left alone to do what invade other countries and murder its people like Iraq?

The U.S.did not make Iraq a territorial part of the United States. The U.S. did not deliberately attack Iraqi residences, hospitals, schools. Your Russia is not comparable.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

OssanAmericaToday  05:54 pm JST

ianToday  05:38 pm JST

The democracies would like to be left alone, to further the well being of their people, while the dictators want to conquer their neighbors.

Left alone to do what invade other countries and murder its people like Iraq?

The U.S.did not make Iraq a territorial part of the United States. The U.S. did not deliberately attack Iraqi residences, hospitals, schools. Your Russia is not comparable.

Lol what are you talking about?

Typical US lying and misdirection.

My Russia? Hahaha

1 ( +4 / -3 )

The U.S.did not make Iraq a territorial part of the United States.

Why do you people trying to convince yourselves that it was okay to invade other countries and murder their citizens just because you do not or did not annex them?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Every WAR is Ugly, let's not pretend nonstop US led Wars since WWII, often in conjunction with NATO and other proxies, were somehow 'good' and 'just'.

Besides, US has been conducting shadow economic war on Turkey for +2 years now, so many forms of disruption and destabilization, US the master bar none!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

It sounds good, good guys vs. bad guys, only problem is if you look at who's involved in all these wars and destabilization globally, US lead player by far to include NATO etc.

US innumerable wars and bombings. Topple governments, destabilize, swoop in and collect assets and oil.

Russia and the Ukraine War. Chechnya.

China - 3.7 million Chinese incarcerated since Xi took power, for bribery and corruption. A few disappears for making the CPC look bad. They reappear after given a timeout.

Anyone with terrorist connections detained and given a lease on life by way of rehabilitation and re-educational programs.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Oh, how did that work out for Sri Lanka? Now China owns Sri Lanka's newest seaport since Sri Lanka stupidly signed up to China's loan shark secretive contract that it has no way to pay back

I think it’s worked out quite well. Essentially, China is the bank that gives you the mortgage loan to build a house and when you fail to make payments on the loan, they lease the house from you and pay you rent to help you make your mortgage payments. You are the still the owner and there is no default or foreclosure.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The U.S.did not make Iraq a territorial part of the United States.

Why do you people trying to convince yourselves that it was okay to invade other countries and murder their citizens just because you do not or did not annex them?

Why did you invade Iraq anyway?

Just because you can right? To show who's boss and to make an example out of them.

Is that less worse than the invaders who annex? Or more evil?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Chinese has found a good model, serious party system that does not tolerate special interests and corruption... Society at large at least trusts the system there and their intentions to help build a better future.

China scores poorly in the global corruption index. Even Cuba scores better than China!

https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2021

And the Chinese people know it: "Most Chinese citizens believe government corruption still a major problem, global index finds"

https://ipdefenseforum.com/2021/02/most-chinese-citizens-believe-government-corruption-still-a-major-problem-global-index-finds/

When people can't even talk about the finances of their own government leaders, that should be a big clue club to the head that there's something wrong

Their society doesn't trust the system - they're forced to trust the system. They're forced to take the government's word for it because they're not allowed to investigate it for themselves!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Oh, how did that work out for Sri Lanka? Now China owns Sri Lanka's newest seaport since Sri Lanka stupidly signed up to China's loan shark secretive contract that it has no way to pay back

I think it’s worked out quite well. Essentially, China is the bank that gives you the mortgage loan to build a house and when you fail to make payments on the loan, they lease the house from you and pay you rent to help you make your mortgage payments. You are the still the owner and there is no default or foreclosure.

No, it's like a loan shark who gives you a loan to build a new house on your land that he knew you cannot pay back. Then he takes the house, does not pay you rent (because it's you who owes him money - this is your form of repayment), and controls it for the next 99(!) years

Why do ya think China is so secretive about these loan contracts to the people of the countries? Don't the taxpayers of those countries deserve to know what their government is signing their tax money into? Yet China forbids those countries to disclose these secretive loan contracts to their own people.

It took a government change in Kenya to finally expose these secretive loan contracts to their people. And it shows why China is so secretive:

"Kenya: Why is the government hiding its Chinese loan contracts?"

https://www.theafricareport.com/125090/kenya-why-is-the-government-hiding-its-chinese-loan-contracts/

A growing number of Kenyans are becoming increasingly incensed with Attorney General (AG) Kihara Kariuki for his determination to challenge activists’ demands in court for disclosure of the $3.2bn Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) contract with China. The move didn’t go down well with many people who felt betrayed and wondered why the government’s top lawyer is so determined to keep this information locked up and he is acting in violation of the same constitution that he’s supposed to uphold.

The Kenyan constitution under article 227(1) and the public procurement and disposal act 2015 stipulates that public projects must be made public and requires public participation in the process.

Legal issues aside, the fact that the contract is being kept from the same people that are supposed to bear the burden of the loan raises more questions than answers. The obvious question is why is the SGR project shrouded in so much mystery?

"Kenya publishes loan documents for Chinese-built railway"

https://www.reuters.com/article/kenya-china-debt/kenya-publishes-loan-documents-for-chinese-built-railway-idINL8N3234AQ

The government of Kenya’s new President William Ruto has released loan documents related to a controversial Chinese railway that his predecessor’s administration fought a years-long battle in the courts to keep secret.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

So, finally there's some exposure on what those country's people's tax money are being used:

"China’s secret loan contracts reveal its hold over low-income nations"

https://www.ft.com/content/7e98795f-159b-4455-903e-6e21c345d4a9

They analysed 100 contracts between lenders such as the China Export-Import Bank and the China Development Bank and 24 developing countries including Argentina, Ecuador and Venezuela, all of which have defaulted in recent years, and several countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

All contracts signed since 2014 — 38 of the 100 — contained far-reaching confidentiality clauses that make it hard for other creditors to ascertain the true financial position of the borrower. This means that “citizens in lending and borrowing countries alike cannot hold their governments accountable for secret debts”, the researchers warned.

Several contracts exerted influence over borrower countries’ domestic and foreign policies. These included cross-default clauses triggered by any action seen as adverse to the interests of “a People’s Republic of China entity”

Many of the contract terms were unusually strict and gave Chinese loans priority for repayment while prohibiting borrowers from restructuring their Chinese debts in co-ordination with other creditors

Close to three-quarters of the contracts contain what the report terms “no Paris Club” clauses, which expressly commit the borrower to exclude the debt from restructuring by the Paris Club of official bilateral creditors.

For a loan contract, this is even more suspicious since that prevents the borrower from using outside help to pay back their debt, like using other banks or the IMF or World Bank funds

No wonder China wants to keep these loan contracts secret, but it's those country's people's money!

Example: "China has been criticised for its role in recent sovereign restructurings such as Zambia, where some bondholders resisted a reduction in their interest payments because they suspected the savings would be used to service the country’s Chinese debts."

3 ( +4 / -1 )

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