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Defense chief questions why China needs aircraft carrier

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Thus begins yet another arms race in the Pacific area ... Paragraph 6 above pretty well sums up China's unwritten intentions in these areas ...

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“As a major economy, China on the one hand should take more responsibilities for the world and on the other hand, it has some new security interests that it needs to protect. Under the circumstances, China’s naval power needs to grow accordingly,”

Sounds like China is looking for Lebensraum...

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Dont take the remarks from Japanese defense agency seriously!! Even the US state department's request is ignorable! China has never signed any treaties like Germany did in Versallies 1919 to limits the size of her navy! The Chinese government has despised every questions by the US/Japanese govt since 1996 about her presistent nuclear tests. So the aircraft issue shall be no exception!

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China, pointing to longer-term plans to build up to three additional clones of the carrier in China’s own shipyards........ Do not blaming China is 'militaristic regieme'...that was definately unappropiate! It was the US sending the seventh fleet battleships into the Taiwan strait in 27th June 1950 that draw the 'first blood'! They are the begining of 'militaristic'!

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I wouldn't worry, if China copies it's aircraft carriers like they do their bullet trains, there isn't much to worry about.

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perhaps the defense chief could explain why the US needs so many aircraft carriers???

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why China needs aircraft carrier?

To land it's aircraft on at sea, why else would it want an aircraft carrier .

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the bigger the guns, the smaller the salami

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to intimidate and take over. why else.

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I don't see the problem why China shouldn't have an aircraft carrier. Loads of countries have some, so why not China?

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Japan should buy one too

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Yes, Japan should buy one too. When the tsunami hit, SDF helicopters had to rely on a U.S. aircraft carrier to launch operations and to refuel.

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grammefriday

perhaps the defense chief could explain why the US needs so many aircraft carriers???

One of the US' CVN's many missions is maintaining a constant presence worldwide to ensure free and unobstructed passage through international waters for vessels of all nationalities. Do you think China is planning on using their carriers in this capacity? They're most likely planning on employing them to do the opposite, to deny access to certain waters, particularly certain disputed EEZs in Asia over which they claim posession.

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They should quit while they're ahead. If they build another aircraft carrier, they might crash into each other.

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aircraft carriers don't have an ATS like high speed trains so should be ok.

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Badge213 hit it. I would also say there are loads of US sailors in heaven laughing at this. I worked the LSO platform with pilots back in the day. You know... roger I got the ball...wave off...your high, low, power up. I cannot see the Chinese getting this right. Sorry but I have been around the block a few times. It will take them decades to get this right. US yanks got our seamanship from the Brits...hundreds of years of trial and error. If you guys want to check out this stuff type in 'LSO platform' in YouTube. We crash F-18s on a monthly basis... even Maverick and Goose had to eject (okay that is a movie sorry). Chinese went to the Danger zone...right on thru to the Danger zone! Next up. Top Gun 2 starring Jackie Chan as Mavwick...I feel the need...the need for speed.

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@grammefridayAug. 13, 2011 - 04:24PM JST

perhaps the defense chief could explain why the US needs so many aircraft carriers???

because Japan and China buy US debt aircraft carriers is effective weapon for attack, for defense is not effective
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They will need the military assets when they start reposessions to reclaim the debt owed to them by the US.

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maybe china should build a ship like the usns mercy first to show it wants to be a responsible world player. their carrier is purely a bullying move for expanded sea/island claims.

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@oberstAug. 13, 2011 - 05:46PM JST

Japan should buy one too

Buy? From him? So that? Now Japan and SK buy US weapons, but it old and very not effective. Also US limited of ammunition for Japan and SK. Now China buy new military technology from Ukraine. Also China effective cloning of Russian weapons. Russian weapons is tested in real conflicts. Japan make business and sell last technology with China. Japan companies migrate R&D from Japan to China. Japan help for China of growing and using last technology. Because I'm surprised when reading strange "why China needs aircraft carrier". This is result of politics Japan in the world.

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Simple - why doesn't this guy study naval tactics - aircraft carriers help naval fleets project power over the horizon - far beyond the traditional lines of sight for surface vessels. They also assist in rapid deployment - bring power quickly to a hotspot within the fleet's operating radius. Really silly question. He's really just jealous because Japan doesn't have something similar...yet.

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I don't like China having an aircraft carrier, but it's their right and their business. I think Kitazawa is out of line there, and his comments don't serve any useful purpose.

Then again ..neither do mine.

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I don't mind them having a carrier, those are pretty tame, unless you also got planes, heli's fitted for carrier operations.

And that goes for more than fighter planes, you also need AWACS like the P3, in flight refuelling ....

As they say for each pilot jock there are several dozens of people on the ground making sure he can fly.

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I don't think ski jumps can launch a refueling plane and PRC does not have a workable E2C Hawkeye type early warning plane like the Americans and even if they do, I do not believe it can be launch via a sky jump.

As for Japan owning a carrier, although the JDS Hyuga and JDS Ise are both designated as a helicopter destroyer(DDH) PRC claims them as a carrier as one of their justification point for owning their own so who knows.

And yes they were instrumental in relief effort during the Tohoku earthquake crisis carrying supplies to shore along with the JDS Osumi a LPD carrying a hover craft as well.

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Exactly refuelling planes like the Herc and E2C need to be launched from auxiliary bases.

Granted there are a few planes that can double as "Awacs" can be launched via carriers with the right load. Recall the Viking, EF-111, etc.

Just having a carrier is a long way from having the infra-structure to support it. Carriers were an answer as too many planes got shot-down and ship-ping new planes to the front was way too slow.

Modern day fighter planes with their ranges and being able to be refuelled mid-air make carriers obsolete. As the Carrier is a give-away and a target.

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Does anyone will ask the israeli government why their nation has the reasons to acquire nuclear arsenals? NO!! So why US/Japan asking China the legitimacy to own aircraft carrier? Was that a kind of double standard? Here is very simple, the United States has a conspiracy to wage wara against China. America deploying B-2A bombers in Guam targeting Chinese cities? Remember the dialogue and remarks between Hillary Clinton and Kelvin Rudd about China that were exposed by wikipedia!What about the Chinese government asking washington how many Chinese cities were targets of the B-2A bombers' nuclear attacks, how many casualties in terms of millions will be if those raids executed? Otherwise there is nothing worth to raise any questions from them!

'

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just- a guy

In contrast to China’s slew of new frigates, submarines, and other warships, the carrier will actually add little to the country’s naval capabilities, according to Western analysts.

I did enjoy reading your post, even though I could hear the dubbed voices of South Park going over it.

But why so defensive there, and you are all over the map with your references. Don't worry, we know China will continue to expand its military, and there is no reason to justify it, just keep the South Park accent going and nobody will mind.

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Yasukuni

I don't like China having an aircraft carrier, but it's their right and their business. I think Kitazawa is out of line there, and his comments don't serve any useful purpose.

Don't you think that if your name is Yaskuni then you don't have a right to comment about China's military?

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I question why ANY country needs an aircraft carrier.

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well once again china is Not trusted. easy to understand but we must also understand IF Japan is indipendent & Builds its military it will lead to a Huge arms race. Way too much money spent on weapons. But china is NOT an active member for peaceful misssions in the world, so thats why so many Asian countries worry. Leave the Huge Navy, Ocean superiority in Asia to South Korea. they are alot more liked & Trusted.

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@papasmurfinjapanAug. 13, 2011 - 08:45PM JST

I question why ANY country needs an aircraft carrier.

Your question is very funny. Answer: attack only. Because Russia had many years ago no more two and no one now.

Because any Asian countries need strong anti-aircraft and barrage mines. When US attack of Vietnam barrage mines good help for Vietnam. Mines and anti-aircraft is weapons can not be used for attack. It is good for pacific constitution. US anti-aircraft Patriot is not effective, but Russian c-300 more effective and tested in real military conflict. Now Chinese weapons do not tested in real military conflict - may be is good news for Japan and other Asian countries.

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RaymasakiAug. 13, 2011 - 09:18PM JST; Leave the Huge Navy, Ocean superiority in Asia to South Korea. they are alot more liked & Trusted.

With only 21 warships, it is too small a fleet for it to become a superior against either Japan or PRC.

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One of the US' CVN's many missions is maintaining a constant presence worldwide to ensure free and unobstructed passage through international waters for vessels of all nationalities...................................... Absolute nonsenses!! Remember in November 1993 a Chinese freighter 'Galaxy' was stalked and chased by US nacy vessels in the high seas and forced to 'examine' the cargo of a 'fraudulent accusations' of materials to make WMD! No apologies was receieved! In November 1994 a Chinese navy SSN was stalked and being used as target for simulating ASW by the US navy in the yellow sea although the Chinese government has pleaded to cease the hostility and again like deaf ears from counterpart! And now the US state department asking why China needs an aircraft carrier?? How ironic and how unfortunate...the US supreme court has moved to Beijiang!

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Why are they only building one. They have one billion citizens to protect, they should build more. Just look at America bombing and invading all those countries and now NATO is at it. About time the world needs a balance of power.

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just-a-guyAug. 13, 2011 - 10:12PM JST; In November 1994 a Chinese navy SSN was stalked and being used as target for simulating ASW by the US navy in the yellow sea although the Chinese government has pleaded to cease the hostility and again like deaf ears from counterpart! And now the US state department asking why China needs an aircraft carrier?

In other words you're saying that PRC is wanting an aircraft carrier to return the favor? I believe US attack subs will just use the boat as target practice only this time PRC would be oblivious of that fact. As for a sub being chased by an air craft carrier, it shows how bad the sub is and PRC should thank the USN for pointing it out and just decommission such a lousy sub.

ASW is done daily in the open sea by each side so including Japan so it is nothing to barked about.

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just-a-guy - And now the US state department asking why China needs an aircraft carrier??

Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said that he would like the Chinese government to explain to the international community why it needs an aircraft carrier.

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Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said that he would like the Chinese government to explain to the international community why it needs an aircraft carrier.

The Chinese should respond: "It's none of your business." Just because Japan continutes to believe that the rest of the world will honor their constitution and not go to war is foolish thinkng on Japan's part. China wants to be able to one day protect their access to fuel and other resources from places like Africa and the Middle East on their own, and not rely on the UN or the US.

If I were Japan, i would ask the question, why don't we have one, and can we really depend on the USA.

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Asagao. Another propagand post.. Exactly what is China defending against? Your main enemies seem to be powers that do not have navies at all. For example.

Old men and working Uyghurs in Kashgar. How many have you wrongly imprisoned for "terrorism" charges?

And then there are all those extremely dangerous monks and devout Buddhists in Tibet. Wouldn't want that message of peace to spread to the Han would you? So repress and threaten harmless monks. I guess a carrier would be less than useful in such a waterless place.

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And then there is Japan who won't yield their islands, natural resource and fishing zones to you. But one weak carrier will not help you since Japan has a pretty good navy and air force and the support of the US Navy.

Next the the Philippines who you also seem to claim territory from. No single carrier will help you out there either. The US and others will certainly defend the Philippines in any conflict you initiate.

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Chinese aggressive ambitions will be met with strong resistance in Asia and by Asia's partners. So why waste your time with a course that will inevitably fail and cause more harm to China than good?

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If China wants a carrier like other nations have, so be it. My guess is if you asked him why the government is fretting about building up its defense on certain islands he'd say it's common sense. Ah, selective reasoning.

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The Chinese government's published 2011 military budget is about US$91.5 billion, the second largest in the world and up about 12.7 % from 2010 (US$77.95 billion).This figure would mean that for 2011, China's military expenditure as a percentage of GDP would be 1.4%In 2010.

The US Department of Defense's annual report to Congress on China's military strength estimated the actual 2009 Chinese military spending at US$150 billion.

This is from wiki. This figure above is very low, it is probably more than US$150.

This is nothing new. US has been aware of China's military expansion in Asian Sea for many years.

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If we Japanese had a strong government - the LDP - we could stand up to china bullies. Unfortunately DPJ does everything china communist goverment asks. When LDP comes back soon we should build 2 or 3 aircraft carriers and I hope a fleet of Nuclear submarine. We need strikepower to attack china and koreas at any moment, we dominated them before so we should dominate them again!

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Kentaro: "If we Japanese had a strong government - the LDP - we could stand up to china bullies. "

The LDP has led Japan to be weak, not strong, and there's nothing Japan could do against China if the government changed. At most, the Japanese PM could spout a bunch of nonsense, then say 'Moushiwake gouzaimasen', then resign within a year. Actually, that will probably happen again anyway. How many 'strong' LDP PMs have resigned within the last five years again? :)

You have to face the facts... China has a superior military force, and Japan an inferior one respectively. With the help of the US they have a superior force, but my guess is you're also an anti-US army person, given your radical posts, so you can't have it both ways. In any case, the US will not allow war, so Japan just has to sit back and suck on it.

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Kentaro: "We need strikepower to attack china and koreas at any moment, we dominated them before so we should dominate them again!"

It's this kind of statement that proves the ultra-right should never, ever attain power. I'd rather see Japan with a Chinese flag than see your kind of mentality come to fruition. It might humble you guys a bit.

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Chinese Culture Asia rules the last three thousand years, with a break of 200 years. And will rule for another thousand years. There comes a time in Japan to decide to whom she was - with a close relative of the poor, or from a distant neighbor. War with China, stupid must be friends with him.

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If China explanation for it's expanding and modernizing it's military and needs for aircraft carriers are "entirely defensive", Then it shouldn't complain when Japan decides to add Aircraft carriers into it's JMSDF fleets. Japan have the 7th largest EEZ as well that it needs to protect. And as a nation that had contributed greatly to the UN and the world in general, Japan should expand it's military capabilities to help to the protection of peace and stability around the world.

In addition to Aircraft carriers, Japan should also commission Hospital Ships.

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In addition to Aircraft carriers, Japan should also commission Hospital Ships.

It is true. Japan MUST build at least 3 air craft carriers, and hospital ships, we need to expand out Navy force and military to stand up to bullying. Agreed with Dara Danh, we Japanese now need to build and expand a strong military defence and attack forces.We should strike bully china and the 2 Koreas BEFORE they strike us...

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To end American imperialism i think! CHina is Global Player she had her interest like any other country.why america need carrier?why france?

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Dara and Kentaro, a few questions:

Where will this money come from to build Japanese aircraft carriers? Japan's debt is twice its GNP. It is trying to rebuild following the largest natural disaster to strike any nation, in history, and it also needs to retool itself as a country switching over from nuclear power. I would be very curious how you plan to pay for Japan to head off on the road to World War III, which is what would happen if Japan ever dared to try a repeat performance of its 1930s invasions of China and Asia.

You seem to forget how vulnerable Japan is to nuclear weapons and/or radioactive contamination. You need a lesson in geography my nationalistic friends. What is the land area of China? What is the land area of Japan?

Think about it. Then consider, if Japan launches one nuclear weapon, because nukes are what it is about when you talk about real firepower today. TNT may be fine for bombing poor defenseless brown people living in villages in the middle east, but it counts for nought when it comes to total war, such as we saw in the 1940s between fully industrialised countries, and which we would see today, if Japan was foolish enough to start a real fight with China.

You think if America got into a war with a real country and not some third world backwater like Vietnam or Afghanistan it would be using conventional weapons? Nope. Nukes.

Now, let's suppose your Japan of the future with its submarines brimming with Japanese nuclear ICBMs was to launch an attack on China. Even if it sent say 20 nukes into China, China would simply absorb the attack, like a whale being hit with so many small harpoons. Now, if China makes even three or four of its nukes connect with Japan, sayonara Nippon! These small islands, if hit with todays nuclear weapons with yields in the megatons, that is a million tons of TNT, would die as a country. Look at Fukushima. It does not take much to turn Japan upside down.

You might want to rethink your silly dreams of war.

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I'll tell you what is a far more serious threat to Japanese national security than China. It's your mediocre leaders. They are strangling any potential Japan has, while it is still in the cradle. You might want to direct your frustration at your miserable useless leaders, who are Jama big time to this country, which is capable of so much, but hindered by foolish leaders.

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China, as the world's biggest trader and the world's most populous country with largest number of neighbors (a few of which is very unstable), needs this ship and other military equipments to protect its people, its trades and interests close and aboard.

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If the US military ever leaves Japan, you can really see an arms race take off in this part of the world...

right now, this clown can happily question why China is upgrading their military, seeing that Japan is hiding comfortably behind big brother.

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China is investing heavily in Africa,and has just like any other country the right to protect its assets.

And don't forget us silly British who spent billions building a brand new high tech carrier,and can no longer afford to put any planes on it.This lack of money is hitting both Britain and America,who will in future see their international duties cut back as domestic problems take precedence.

China is the emerging super power,and with that comes responsibilities.I do wonder how they would deal with Somalian Pirates!

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If Japan were to launch any nuke, as Ishihara suggests Japan should start to simulate, all Japanese would die. That would be the end of Japan, and not that it really matters but it would be at the hands of China. You would be dead... all of you. For what? Because you're upset about an island that has absolutely nothing to do with you (and yet oddly, if not a gaijin, you can state as your home address)? Because you're paranoid about your government's ineptitude while China move up in both economy and culture?

How very sad.

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WilliB: "right now, this clown can happily question why China is upgrading their military, seeing that Japan is hiding comfortably behind big brother"

For once I agree with you, brother.

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Simple answer from the Chinese: "When our bad neighbour N.Korea causes trouble and the U.S parks one of their CBGs in the Yellow Sea within striking distance of our capital, we will greet them with our own carriers backed by our inland ASBM so we can send a message to them that the yellow sea is a 'NO STANDING ZONE.'

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Seriously. Does this need to be asked? It's fairly obvious no?

China whats to be able to project military might so it can "get it's way" around the world.

I don't see why Japan should care either. It makes no difference to them. China is right next door, they don't need any aircraft carrier to reach them.

@Cosuke You don't need a carrier to defend your own shores. You could just launch your aircraft from land. Carriers are used to launch aircraft elsewhere.

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It's part of China's paving the way to the future extremely fast without vetting problems that take years/decades to clear in other places. It's a quick catch up game that generally ends in disaster. Just like how they debuted their much touted bullet train system only to have it crash a few weeks later and now reducing speeds on it.

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I think we can all agree from these posts that China could easily defeat Japan and then go on and defeat USA. But, China won't do that. If China wants Japan, it doesn't want a destroyed radioactive land, it's want rice fields and fishing ground to feed it's population. So a peaceful acknolgement of China's rights is better than the destruction of Japan and the vulnerable US mainland. And don't think Europe will get off lightly.

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To all China propagandanists:

Just remember the US has just introduced a high tech missle 13,000 miles/hr. These missles are capable of hitting any target in the world within ONE HR. Keep talking big.......we will defeat you!!

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If China doesn't want Japan to meddle in it's Military, Defense affairs, then China should do the same to Japan's. I remember back then, not too long ago, just the thought of Japan developing nuclear weapons or upgrading it's military or obtaining those JMSDF Helicopter Destroyers, China complain as well, question Japan's use and purpose. Japan have the 7th largest EEZ, disputes with it's neighbors, same as China. so if and when Japan does, China shouldn't meddle. But that's nearly impossible. Both nations are in the same region, in such close proximity. What China do affects Japan so they can't just ignore it. Same with China, what Japan does with it's Self-Defense forces will cause China to worry, so they can't exactly turns a blind eye.

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If Japan nuked China first, Japan will be utterly destroyed but the bulk of China's inland infrastructure will survive.

In which case it is irrational for Japan to use nukes for aggression but it will make the Chinese think twice about them waging nuclear aggression against Japan. Therefore, nukes are sound defensive investments for Japan.

After all, China would just be a third world cesspool without the coastal cities that provides China's investment funds, technology and human capital (as opposed to the large poor of unskilled labour that's what the inland settlements are only good for).

With respect to the Chinese carriers, they are not much of a threat without an escort fleet with decent airborne warning technology, anti-submarine warfare capabilities and cruise missile defense. All of which, the Chinese have made very little investment in to the best of my knowledge. Maintaining and protecting an aircraft carrier takes many years of experience and investment, and it's safe to say that the Chinese won't catch up to the Americans in our life time. Japan should just let them slide.

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globalwatcher: US has just introduced a high tech missle 13,000 miles/hr. These missles are capable of hitting any target in the world within ONE HR

What's the pint of this? The states already has enough firepower to destroy the world over a thousand times whereas most Chinese long range ICBM can only hit the western coast of states. Chinese military commanders and experts have said that the ships' a training vessel and it's inferior to their American counterparts. Most threat assessment on this carrier is overblown! If Uncle Sam keeps talking big about military spending at the time when they are broke and unemployment is at 9%........We can see those London/France riots happening in the states really soon....thus americans will defeat themselves.

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Look at it from China's point of view.

The U.S.A. is a loose cannon.

You have no idea when it's going to go off.

It's armed to the teeth and doesn't give a toss for international agreements.

It's not difficult to understand.

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****I'm elated that China has its own aircraft carrier. I've often heard and believe the President & PMinister of China have often stated they will not interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign nations and China must defend itself from other countries who enjoy interefering in the internal affairs of other countries. By China having its own carrier, they will be able to protect & defend Asean countries that have signed agreements with China. If I remember correctly, those countries that signed the UN Charter have agreed by their signature to respect sovereign nations.

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Asagao "I think we can all agree from these posts that China could easily defeat Japan and then go on and defeat USA."

Dream on. How many propaganda posters does China have on this site? Just read these guys....

Adamwesti same for you mate.

At least the propaganda posters here are honest about China's obviously negative intentions.

The fact is, China is more likely to implode on itself with internal strife and the collapse of her bubble economy than she is to dominate anyone. Too much of your population are still repressed rural peasants who don't like your practices any more than the rest of us do.

And there there is the young affluent generation who are smart enough to know that a militant China would cut into their profit margins and increasingly western lifestyles. Since they have the keys to all the money coming into China, they have the key to keep militarism at bay too.

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AdamwestiAug. 14, 2011 - 10:56AM JST; I'm elated that China has its own aircraft carrier. I've often heard and believe the President & PMinister of China have often stated they will not interfere in the internal affairs of sovereign nations and China must defend itself from other countries who enjoy interefering in the internal affairs of other countries.

The problem is where PRC draws the line on "internal affairs". Remember they consider Taiwan as a renegade state and will declare it as an "internal affair" when they decide to push a military advance, so with the one sided EEZ line in the Parace & Spratly Islands dispute as well as the Senkaku Islands. To them it is all "internal affairs".

PRC also signed UN Charter including the UNCLOS and yet they completely ignore it when it goes against their assertion like the case in Parace & Spratly Islands dispute which makes all nations unease to say the least.

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my fellow armchair military strategists , have you considered Japan may not be the primary" target " ? Consider India ( not a buddy of China ) who happens to have aircraft carriers and can disrupt the flow of oil from Middle East to East Asia should hostility erupts ?

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We can all remember Japan whining and bitching like a pussy when China sent a man to space. It's been 8 years since and Japan still hasn't done it. Now, we hear a bankrupt Japan whining and bitching about a single carrier, one that is for training and no threat to her.

Let the USA protect you, Japan. No need to cry and weep. Just focus on paying your mountain of bills.

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China has no ideal about carrier ops, might as well have a large "sink me" written on its side.

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The expenses of building a carrier group for the Chinese navy is massive but still it worths to build because the revenue gained by Chinse energy companies in east china sea and south china seas will paying back the Chinese government with surplus! This aircraft carrier group is the esssential tool to make sure the monoploy of Chinese energy comapnies drilling gas without rivary at seas! No sharing of energy in east china sea with japan and the same manner in south china sea with vietnam,the philipines!Someone may say Chinese has no carrier operations experience, yes that is true but the Russians is given lectures with their same class Kuzenetsov carrier in russian navy!

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globalwatcher - To all China propagandanists:

Just remember the US has just introduced a high tech missle 13,000 miles/hr. These missles are capable of hitting any target in the world within ONE HR. Keep talking big.......we will defeat you!!

Well, except for the fact that it crashed into the sea, again. I'm sure the third attempt will work much better.

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Tkoind2- You honestly don't think a missile barrage on the USAs 104 nuclear power plants, the destruction of USAs communication and GPS satellite network, and a hydrogen bomb exploded in the stratosphere over USA that will imobilelise all electric circuits will take China more than 24 hours?

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" don't see the problem why China shouldn't have an aircraft carrier. Loads of countries have some, so why not China?"

Because the othr cvountries that have them aren't one party militant dictatorships with an agenda to take over the region and constantly threaten their neighbors.

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"We can all remember Japan whining and bitching like a pussy when China sent a man to space. It's been 8 years since and Japan still hasn't done it. Now, we hear a bankrupt Japan whining and bitching about a single carrier, one that is for training and no threat to her."

We can all remember when Japan put a probe around the moon back in 1990. It's been 21 years and China still hasn't done it,. But then what should we expect from a country that prides itself on doing what the United States and USSR did 40 years ago? A "Bankrupt" Jap[an that has the strongest currency in the world. So strong that the Chinese are buying it, Give it a rest.

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Yeah, I just think it's a showing of pride, it also gives the navy something to do.

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The LDP has led Japan to be weak, not strong, and there's nothing Japan could do against China if the government changed.

Well, it all goes back to the dropping of the A-bomb. The Japanese have become a peaceful race as a result and don't have the courage, and won't develop any means of military might. Its aggression has long since been vanquished.

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China says the ship is intended for training, pointing to longer-term plans to build three additional clones of the carrier in China’s own shipyards...........The ships that were under constructions in Shanghai shpiyards were the derrivatives of former soviets:1143.7 Ulyanovsky class nuclear aircraft carriers. China has got her blue-prints through special services and the coming years her defense budget will on a steep rise to build carrier combat groups! China has every rights to own aircraft carriers and use it in conficts. We have got to understand, America is playing fire around China, the Pentagon encouraging surrounding countries:Japan, Vietnam, The Philipine, India a joint coalition of 'gangs' to steal and to loot China's maritime resoucees in east China seas, South China seas! China is under constant threats from the B-2A bombers deployed in Guam and Diego Garcia that might delivering nuclear holocausts all over Chinese cities! None of the countries above have were 'clean'! China is the biggest 'obbressors' of that natural resource thefting collaborations backed by the warmonging Pentagon militant leaderships! As America weeping their fallen 'Seals', China shall never stop her rights to get sufficient military capabilities for self defenses, in fact their cries were great boost to China to great leap forward! No explanations,no apologies,no taking those foreign concerns 'seriously' and no needs to reply as any explanation will be regadred as 'inconclusive'! Those countries were no neighbours but a group of thieves that need to be punished, here the big sticks were coming!

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Maybe China has to explain like this: Due to the US Navy seals fallen in afghanistan in a tragic raid, it is ungratitues to disturbing other countries when they were in deep sorrows! We have got to cut back our carrier plan as a show of sincerely for peace! Wasnt that funny?

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Maybe Japan shouldn't complain too much about China's miltiary. Japan should use it as a chance and proper, legitimate reason to upgrade it's own military. To those who thinks Japan cannot afford it, Japan may be looking at a economic crisis, but unlike EU nations, Japan's economy is more stablized and currently have great purchasing power. Also, upgrading it's military will help it's Defense Industry, and with the changes to be made to Japan Arms Export laws just recently, it might open doors to selling other weapons and military equipment to many nations willing to pay for it. If and when Japan chooses to, many experts do believe Japan can do so and will be able to develop highly, sophisticated, technologically advanced weapons within a short amount of time.

Money, time and high-tech weaponry, Japan have the means and the know-hows to do so, all it needs are public support and the signal to go ahead.

When China and other hostile neighbors pushed Japan too much, the Japanese public might just give the "OK".

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OssanAmerica: "Because the othr cvountries that have them aren't one party militant dictatorships with an agenda to take over the region and constantly threaten their neighbors."

Does it hurt that Chinese can probably spell in English better than you? Just a question. Anyway, they are not really a military dictatorship... they function the same as most democracies, but more efficiently. They are a rising power, and that fact hurts a lot of stalwart Americans because they realize their system has failed. Or... hey... feel free to show me how well democracy's working in the US and in Japan, among other places.

And yes, if other nations can have these weapons, so can China. It is China's business, not yours.

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feel free to show me how well democracy's working in the US and in Japan, among other places.

And you can add just about any other democracy in the world to that list: Canada, the U.K., Australia, etc.

I agree that if other nations can have weapons, so should China and Japan as well.

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smithinjapan, looks like you have found a new home! Asagao, Japan would be caught in the fallout pattern of China. The USA would not even wait for the Chinese missiles to impact. They would be on Defense Condition 1 Sierra before they hit and probably the land base force off the ground headed for china. If the subs lose contact they would add their loads. There would be NOTHING left of China. Death toll well over a billion Chinese and for what sir? About their "mighty" carrier, the Chinese have never operated one. They have no trained crew for the ship and no trained pilots for the planes. Thus it is a shallow presence like a straw ship.

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China says the ship is intended for research and training

There's your answer right there - they're going to start hunting whales.

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hatsoff, you are right hunting submarines is the specialty of the Maratime Self Defense Force. All of this talk of war is stupid, Japan has no desires in China. If the Chinese Navy and Japan SDF should meet, it should be over some beers.

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If China claims that carriers are purely for defensive purposes, does that not mean that Japan can now build its own aircraft carrier within the limitations of "defense only" for the Japanese Defense Forces by using the Chinese definition?

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