politics

Japan claims China escalating military actions

41 Comments
By Toshifumi Kitamura

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The price of security and freedom is spending on one's military.

In 2016, Japan spent less than 1% of its GDP on the military.

In 2017, Switzerland, a neutral country, spent over 2% on its military budget, and during the cold war would spend as much as 5% of its gdp on its military budget.

No one likes having to have a military, but it is more expensive to not have one, than to have one.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

It isn't just a "claim", it's fact. Japan does not send it's military to go snooping around off of China's coast. China on the other hand, has no "peace constitution" therefore feels free to send their military assets wherever they wish, and the PLAN is eager to find passages out of the island chains to eventually take on the United States in the open Pacific.

14 ( +22 / -8 )

Please, Please and Triple Please, let the US and Japan place a base in the Senkaku's before China does.  The can say its unilateral research station to study the whales migration movements in light of climate change.

14 ( +19 / -5 )

End of the day bottom line is you have to be strong and able to defend yourself against anyone as a nation.

If you are Chinese or Russian I’m sure you have your own agenda. But I am Japanese and I of course want Japan to be a peaceful, yet powerful nation that cannot be bullied.

Theres clearly posters up above that do not want that for Japan, and instead hope for the opposite.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Japanese businesses have also voiced desire for closer ties with China to boost trade.

And this is the choice that must be made. Do you choose to sell out to the honey trap and come under the influence of a China that wants to become the superpower that calls the shots, or do you choose to stand up for democracy, sovereignty , transparency and the rule of law . Japan’s proximity and Chinas grand ambitions make this especially difficult for Japan.

America is finally waking up to this very real threat and taking action, as is my home country Australia . Hope Japan can navigate well, really do cause there’s a lot at stake. The forty year old chess game is going into the next phase. Luckily so is international awareness.

12 ( +16 / -4 )

There is no doubt that China is a growing threat to not only Asia, but the entire world. It is likely that China will initiate hostilities within the next 5-10 years and it will result in WWIII. Those not ready for it will be consumed by it. Naturally China will evade pertinent issues and condemn others who build up and modernize their military as China is doing. They do this to try to make their grab for world domination easier. One rule for China and China's rules for everyone else. The day is coming. Prophetic words for the future.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

the only liars, claiming and building rocks to make military bases has been China,only an idiot would believe otherwise...oh yea that was the rest of the world when it started, thank you Obama...no new rocks have been build during Trump..

11 ( +19 / -8 )

I don't see why this claim is so provocative. China is intimidating Japanese territory, NK has not withdrawn its nuclear armamant, and Japan has to amend its constitution so as to deploy JSDF as it wants to. Timing couldn't be better, as China is now ready to make concession in view of prolonging trade war. Hat off to PM Abe!

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Its a simple concept.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

In the course of the evolution of Communist China their identity is still very basic.

The ruling have total lack of ecological wisdom, are defined by agressive ways and egocentric patterns -not realizing that there is a price to be paid for every step.

Hopefully they will break out of their narrow and limited approach to the rest of civilization into a new and better paradigm without destroying the world.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

He is a street fighter.

LOL. The closest Silver Spoon Abe has come to being in a street fight is doing a quarter circle with his joystick and hitting the punch button before screaming "Hadouken!"

9 ( +14 / -5 )

The geezers that rule Communist China are still in the beginning stages of development on the World stage.

Much like a egocentric child on steroids asserting itself not caring about others but only itself.

It has much maturing and growing to accomplish.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

DisillusionedToday  09:44 am JST

China and Russia stepping up military activity and North Korea posing "imminent threats".

Sorry, but I am yet to see any increase in threat from any of these countries.

Make me wonder if you ever read the news.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-02/pentagon-report-on-chinas-military-contains-warnings-australia/10148162

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/29/world/asia/china-navy-aircraft-carrier-pacific.html

https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/30/politics/us-rebrands-pacific-command/index.html

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-russia-islands-military/russia-approves-warplane-deployment-on-disputed-island-near-japan-idUSKBN1FM169

https://www.aspi.org.au/report/bearing-back-russias-military-power-indo-asia-pacific-under-vladimir-putin

8 ( +15 / -7 )

I don't know why so much weapons to be bought from USA +α, to make JSDF stronger for the Army/Air-Force/Navy and plus Marines. I only remember those 5 years Japan Coast Guard in action to protect Japan in the Southern sea and the chase with N. Korean at the Japan Sea, they were really in action. Mr. Abe have to give them medals of honor and strengthen them first of all, JSDF just to show the presence to threat the other side it's like North Korea parade on Pyongyang downtown streets. And will cost more every year budget, where more Abe policy bots and Gambare Japan cheering-up, c'mon Mr. Abe that's wrong!!

6 ( +10 / -4 )

sf2kToday  08:12 am JST

what a nice coincidence along with plans to scrap/change Article 9. Fortunately Japanese aren't fools and any referendum against Article 9 will fail

Chinese military expansion has been going on since 2002. The need to amend Art 9 arose from China's actions and behavior. Not the other way around.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

Shouldn't be worried about Russia. As Russian i can tell that there are no real problems between Russia and Japan. Our government worry about west and nothern-africa/middle-east. And right now we're in the middle of reforming pension system - that's the main topic for russians last couple of months and that will retain for the rest of the year for sure. By the way big part of russian society displeased with syrian campaign, and i don't think the government will do something like that anytime soon.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Other than relying on the security pact with the US, does Japan have the population demographics if our neighbors take military action? Do the 18-30 year olds have the will to actually fight (I guess there’s no choice if we’re invaded). Abe might be considering a South Korean style military service requirement next if he gets the constitutional amendment.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Angry to hear about this news. This is why Japan needs to build 3 Aircraft Carriers (NOT just helicopter carrier) to take on China in South China Sea, or anywhere, together in the fleet with USA. And step up recruitment, to double size of Military. Japan should recruit new JSDF members at high school careers fest like USA.

PM Abe will NOT back down on this. He is a street fighter.

1 ( +16 / -15 )

Considering Japan has a natural border, wealth, and power and that it still has to deal with China's psychological warfare and harassment, the world should be more empathetic to the Vietnamese people.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Akie, Thank you for your humorous question. Yes, China does offer bribes to Vietnamese Government ministers and high ranking officers in return for favourable commercial and bidding decisions...

Other than that, through its Chinese traders, China has consistently destroyed Vietnam's agricultural products. Please click on the following link to find out more about the evilness of Chinese traders in Vietnam (compiled in the Website of Mr Nguyen Tan Dung, the ex-Prime Minister of Vietnam):

http://nguyentandung.org/thuong-lai-trung-quoc-giet-nong-san-viet-bang-cach-nao.html

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Onodera should ask his Boss Abe how come we have full diplomatic ties with China and Russia but none with the ROC -TW , which is the only Japan-friendly country in the universe?

This kind of foreign policy Is flawed and not following our Bushido spirit.

Nippon have diplomatic relations with countries that are threatening Japan but denies the peaceful and friendly democratic island nation with such a courtesy?

Yet Onodera complains like a crybaby for reaping the sour fruits of Tokyo's very morally and ethically wrong foreign policy.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

The timing couldn't be any better (rolling eyes)!

-2 ( +11 / -13 )

Keep em scared Abe

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

China and Russia stepping up military activity and North Korea posing "imminent threats".

Sorry, but I am yet to see any increase in threat from any of these countries. Furthermore, the threat is far from imminent. This is just Abe and his cronies spouting garbage to build support for the constitution change. It makes me wonder if he has ever read, 'The boy who cried wolf'?

-5 ( +10 / -15 )

Of course Japan is claiming this, at the same time as they are talking about NK still being a major threat, and coincidentally enough, at the EXACT same time Abe is pushing his personal agenda to change the Constitution so he can build an offensive military.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

Wasn't it just yesterday that we read - unbelievingly - that things were getting back to normal? Disinformation, but which? I'm lost. Mr. Abe, please tell me your true heart.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Me thinks he doth protest too much. For nigh on 30 years, the Japanese have been playing the ultimate game, both pro-American to its boot straps, and at the same time the major investor and promoter of China’s economic renaissance which has underpinned its power projection. It’s a strategy which acknowledges the strong likelihood of ultimate Chinese suzerainty and hegemon status, whilst re-armament with America’s blessing simultaneously frees Japan from its post WW2 shackles and ensures maximum freedom of action if ever there was to be a full changing of the guard.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

Of course, Japan (Jiminto) is doing everything it can, as usual, to ease tensions in the area...

^^ It's sarcasm ^^

If only we had adults in government here.

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

Japan's only smart choice is to work on friendly sharing of the area and the resources with China and Russia. China has no choice but to be what it is, a super populated super power that has to assert its strong position in the region currently dominated and abused by an outsider from other side of the pacific. Russia being so big is always in danger of being attacked for it attract envy and desire for territory by all of the NATO countries. Japan is in a position where playing smart and cooperative is the only winning option. Siphoning money into the pockets of American warmongers and military industries is useless and dangerous, there is nothing in it for the average Japanese.

-8 ( +9 / -17 )

what a nice coincidence along with plans to scrap/change Article 9. Fortunately Japanese aren't fools and any referendum against Article 9 will fail

-8 ( +9 / -17 )

Many countries spend and upgrade military equipment, hold exercised etc. etc. That does not mean to say that they intend to attack Japan.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

China and Russia building up their military?

Nothing to do with Abe trying to change the constitution?

Nothing to do with the US build up of military installations in the area?

Huge new superbase in Henoko?

-10 ( +8 / -18 )

So this is what Abe meant when he said Japan was going back to normalized relations with China....Yep, this stuff seems pretty normal.

/s ....or not.

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

Japan should know her geographic location is a flash point of the new power struggle of human race! And it is a stupid thing if she made a wrong 'Bet'!

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

I would rather choose having balance between US and China than the situation where US is the only superpower. Why do some people think China's growth is a threat to region, even to entire world, but ignore what US has been doing to the world to protect their interest? Both countries have the very same right to pursue prosperity. Don't they? I just can't help thinking why people here are so pro-US when their is a issue between those two countries. Human rights? Communism? Race? Please enlighten me.

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

As a very close and very long time neighbour of China, Japan, instead of getting along, is looking for a bone from an egg. Perhaps, Japan will understand what is unilateral when she gets fully independent. All sovereign nations make unilateral decision.

-13 ( +8 / -21 )

Japan has to make a strategic decision soon: to be friendly with China, or not. With or without Japan, China will move forward. Japan isn't Chinese target, and China will not occupy Japan, unless Japan asks China to do so. The world is changing, rapidly. The best way to deal with it is to adapt to it.

-13 ( +5 / -18 )

For the past five years, Abe declared that China is a threat and so imminent that he has to pursue collective defense and invoke article 5 to protect Japanese people. Yet nothing happened in China as a threat but tourists. How many more years do we need to prove that Abe isn't normal as a PM should be ?

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

Does China have to ask Japan where to statetion her army, what weapons to buy, and how to fight a war ? Would Japan pay for China if asked ?

-16 ( +9 / -25 )

Does Abe promote freedom of navigation wherever he goes ? China is your strongest supporter, 100%.

-17 ( +6 / -23 )

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