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Japan denies Biden claim he influenced its defense budget increase

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Reminds me of the "You didn't fire me because I already quit!" reasoning.

7 ( +25 / -18 )

Speaking at a news conference, Matsuno, the top government spokesman, said the U.S. side now shares the Japanese view, but he refused to clarify through what diplomatic channels the exchanges took place.

Pretty obvious Joe said what was supposed to be left unsaid and stole any appearance of taking the initiative on Kishida's side.

6 ( +17 / -11 )

Keystone Cops material

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Japanese politicians generally also deny that the CIA played a big role in funding the LDP, even though a few admitted it to the New York Times, along with various US officials who confirmed it.

Keep on with the charade, LDP. You can't let the Japanese public really know how things work.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

Fumio Kishida denies he decided to double Japan's defense budget at the urge of Joe Biden. Biden may not have said it directly and bluntly but there is no doubt that he said it anyway, probably indirectly. Sontaku or the way of surmising worked here like a magic.

Deny as he may, Kishida apparently decided to sky-rocket Japan's defense budget at Biden's urge so that Japan could buy more U.S.-made weapons or share more costs for the U.S. military's stationing in Japan.

Kishida wants to make Japan a great military power again, casting off its post-war regime, above all, renouncing the pacific constitution. The next thing Kishida awaits may be the U.S. government's go-ahead sign about Japan’s nuclearization.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@Mr Kipling Um, you have it backwards. Its the other way around.

@itsonlyrocknroll Dead on bullseye comment on China aggression.

As far Biden, I not know one single service member who doesn't shake their in disbelief at times with Biden. And that went for Trump too.

Japan decided to expand the defense budget on its own, and so long over due.

Japan has a long way to go to be in a position to be self reliant on defending her self.

Facts not fiction.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

Well we would know who is telling the truth and who is lying if they actually released transcripts of these meetings.

remember when not having transcripts was bad and meant a US President was supposedly hiding things and lying? Seems so long ago. But not good ole Joe!

3 ( +10 / -7 )

Japan convinced America that china is a real threat and made America pivot to Asia. The US does not seem to understand that Japan recognizes the danger to itself from Chinese aggression, and the only hope it has is for the US to commit serious forces to the region for Japans defense. The increase in Japanese defense spending is a natural extension and was always going to happen regardless of the US.

Japan is in much more danger than the US is from China, and manages to outsmart the US through skillful manipulation into thinking it (the US) is calling the shots in Asia.

Biden thinks he got Japan to spend more on defense but it is Japan that got the US forces to protect it, and has for decades.

Just who is a vassal to whom? I think the US is more Japan's vassal than the other way around.

Mr KiplingToday 04:54 pm JST

Japan is a vassal state of the US.

2 ( +14 / -12 )

The important thing is that Kishida hasn't done it yet. The amount he would have to raise taxes to would bring down his government overnight. We simply cannot pay any more in taxes. Enough already!

2 ( +12 / -10 )

And yes of course JT has to moderate posts relevant but inconvenient for the popular narrative and the hawks have rush on here and downvote the obvious fact that the LDP is in spin mode backpedaling eager to avoid everyone uncovering once and for all what everyone actually knows anyway.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

If Biden influenced the decisions (as he claims), it stands to reason that he may have been "comped" for his efforts.

It would stand to even more reason that he would be the one who would have to do the 'comping'. Why would Japan pay him for something that they are reluctant to do?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Tokyo has told Washington that Biden's remarks were "misleading" as Japan decided to expand the defense budget on its own, adding the president's intention was "unclear."

Deny, misleading ,unclear in the LDP speak translator means: We are slightly embarrassed that another one of our plans working against the best interests of the Japanese people has yet again been revealed.

1 ( +17 / -16 )

Mr. Biden has been slightly out of balance lately, I think it's time for Mr. President to move on and retire. Thank you for your services sir.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

Well, now we know what really transpired, when it comes to issues regarding China. Human rights? Look at Modi reception in congress. China's aggressiveness? China is only aggressive when it concern Taiwan/national sovereignty. So, all the reasons America provided to the world, to justify their objectives, ask the world to go along? Well, now we know, i put it simply, wool over your eyes. Is the PM one??s

1 ( +3 / -2 )

He was such a pushover they called Biden a liar

A pushover who does not want to appear to be a pushover is still a pushover. The U.S. got what they wanted.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Mr KiplingToday  04:54 pm JST

Japan is a vassal state of the US. The US wants Japan to spend more on US weapons and defense....

Japan obeys. Japan knows it's place.

This is a often repeated fallacy. Proof that it is not true is that the United States has been trying to get Japan to rearm since 1950 without success. Although the US suceeded in getting Japan to form the JSDF (as a branch of the national police force) they have continued to resist US pressure to deploy. In the 1980s Presidet Ronald Regan tried to get J-PM Zenko Suzuki to agree to apply collective defense to Guam. Japan refused. In 1991the US pressured Japan to send the JSDF to the PG and put "boots on tje ground". Japan refused and instead paid for the majority of the Allied operation against Saddam Hussein. It is China, and China alone under Xi Jing Ping that has caused Japan to rearm.

Biden appears to have used a Trump-like political ploy. Taking credit for something not of his doing.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Well, that the Japan side feels they need to refute suggests that at least they still take Biden seriously.

The man’s comments about Xi this week were all over the place. Cmon man

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Ossan

Yes after it became apparent around 1947 that the US would end up losing China to Mao the US has been eager to get Japan to rearm despite totally contradicting the 1945-written Constitution...this major about face came with the reverse course policy of 1948 to work closely with the Japanese government (including many war criminals who the US knew they could control) to aggressively blacklist those who opposed the US presence, thereby guaranteeing that a rearmed Jpn military would be in essence be a US proxy.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Japan on Friday denied U.S. President Joe Biden's claim that he convinced Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to boost Tokyo's defense spending

This is hilarious! Biden should not speak open about it, and at least Japan has the sense to deny it.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Kishida probably came to the conclusion that Japan had better defend itself or become a proxy in a US was on China. Biden is not a trusted partner.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Taiwan, Taiwan is not an independent country,this is like confederate successionist talking points

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan Govt pretends independent democratic state but its actuality is like military colony, not ally of US. therefore Japan cannot yet change even "Status Of Force Agreement" at all.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

The rogue state of the USA say's jump, Japan say's, how high.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

So they made a liar out of biden

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

@LegrandeJune 23 06:25 pm JST

And its important to note before Abe there was no big conflict with China, and therefore not as big an opportunity to justify and profit from the sales of US arms to Japan.

Before Abe, China was still under the "peaceful rise" deception. The mask has slipped off now.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Just who is a vassal to whom? I think the US is more Japan's vassal than the other way around.

Japan is simply not the larger more powerful state than the US. Japan and Germany are prime examples to this day.

Japan Govt pretends independent democratic state but its actuality is like military colony, not ally of US. therefore Japan cannot yet change even "Status Of Force Agreement" at all.

The Japanese want their own military. Abe tried. The U.S. put an end to that. Hatoyama tried

as well. OssanAmerica’s point is proof the U.S. controls Japan.

We are the only nuked country so we better look out. Especially okinawians.

The people of Ryukyu want independence and are reaching out to China much like Taiwan. Blinken stated “The US does not support Taiwanese independence” in his wrap up of the Beijing visit. China however supports Ryukyu independence.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@Taiwan

Before Abe, China was still under the "peaceful rise" deception. The mask has slipped off now.

Paranoid much? LOL

Oh and good job presenting documented proof for your measured, convincing observations, while demanding that others do so.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

US forward bases in Japan are there for a single primary purpose.

To prevent a war entering perpetrating the US mainland.

U.S. Forces Japan

https://www.usfj.mil/About-USFJ/

Vague and ambiguous, J tax payers have to contribute, yet Joe Biden has the ultimate control over.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

based on the latest Congressional transcripts from the IRS whistleblowers, the big guy (and his "child") will be joining him.

Only in the cult-induced fever dream of his conspiracy-addled rube-sycophants' mind.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

KazukoHarmony

Today 06:15 pm JST

Just what the LDP fears — the Japanese public realizing that Kishida is a pushover because the military expansion the public doesn’t want was pushed on them by the Americans.

He was such a pushover they called Biden a liar

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

The denial came after Biden said at a campaign reception in California earlier this week that Japan has increased its defense expenditures "exponentially" as a result of his persuasion of Kishida during their past three talks.

> Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Tokyo has told Washington that Biden's remarks were "misleading" as Japan decided to expand the defense budget on its own, adding the president's intention was "unclear."

> Speaking at a news conference, Matsuno, the top government spokesman, said the U.S. side now shares the Japanese view, but he refused to clarify through what diplomatic channels the exchanges took place.

Ah no more problems then, the US side agrees with the Japanese view

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Of course they do :)

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Typical Joe Biden.

take credit for something he didn’t do while avoiding blame/accountability at any cost for things he did do.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Kishida been strong arm by Biden ,show how compliance Kishida is, Biden is for a rude awakening from the party members,

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Here's an informative video published by the Republic of China's Foreign Ministry. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_fDk_Y8zQI&t=15s

Don't forget they also want to harass everyone out of the South China Sea, though.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

so no comments about Biden lying?

-3 ( +9 / -12 )

It’s likely true that Biden advised, leaned on, counseled, pick your term - Japan to do more of what it was already doing: expanding its defense spending.

this is what Allie’s do. This is what NATO heard for 40 years from a succession of administrations of both parties.

It’s impolitic, but it’s not shocking.

At least he didn’t try to blackmail them by threatening to abrogate the alliance like the last moron objectively did.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

@neroJune 23 08:47 pm JST

America is going to throw Japan under the bus like they did Afghanistan, Ukraine, and quite recently Taiwan.

Ukraine and Taiwan want their independence from their terrorist neighbors.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

@OKuniyoshiJune 23 08:46 pm JST

China is only aggressive when it concern Taiwan/national sovereignty.

Ah, so they only want to kill 24 million that one time. Don't forget they also want to harass everyone out of the South China Sea, though.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Lots of these international leaders are subject to fall to psychological political coercion,if you exploit their psychological inferiority

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

So Japan is finally waking up to the real Biden. His gaffes or outright lies are almost a daily occurrence in the U.S.

-4 ( +15 / -19 )

@Peter14

Just who is a vassal to whom? I think the US is more Japan's vassal than the other way around.

Yep nevermind there are US military bases all over Japan, that the US full on occupied and ruled Japan for 7 years while it set the groundwork for the CIA funded LDP, who have completely ruled in the post war era except for like 4 years, that all of Japan's foreign policy is aligned with objectives mapped out by the State Department, that the first foreign country that a new incoming Japanese prime minister always visits without exception is the US, where he is promptly debriefed on what he must and musn't do, etc.

-4 ( +8 / -12 )

Just what the LDP fears — the Japanese public realizing that Kishida is a pushover because the military expansion the public doesn’t want was pushed on them by the Americans.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

What's all this about? That Japan has increased it military spending is the important thing. Who influenced Japan or did Japan itself increase the spending itself is not important. Why is every one so petty?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

The avarice of the people that will greatly benefit from the increased budget is enough to explain why it is happening, the US role would be at most to allow it.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

And its important to note before Abe there was no big conflict with China, and therefore not as big an opportunity to justify and profit from the sales of US arms to Japan.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

Well, of course they wouldn't want to admit to that. Doesn't mean it's not true.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

If Biden influenced the decisions (as he claims), it stands to reason that he may have been "comped" for his efforts.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

oh no. Bad Japan! you arent allowed to call out when Biden has lied. its just a folksy unintentional mistelling of what actually happened!

-6 ( +10 / -16 )

America is going to throw Japan under the bus like they did Afghanistan, Ukraine, and quite recently Taiwan. So in that regard it's true they influenced Japan's military budget.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

When are you guys going to stop bickering about Biden and Trump.

Its over. Done.

Maybe finally we can get some decent candidates worth talking about and that want to work together on both sides of the isle. Its beyond old and twice as dusty. The divide.

Time to shake hands and be friends again.

Neither one of these guys will ever be sitting at the Eagles desk once Biden finishes his term.

This is the problem with the world. Division. I am right your wrong. And vice versa.

I would rather have Kishida running the Whitehouse.....at least I can understand his Japanese. Probably speaks decent English too. The guys a strong leader.

-8 ( +8 / -16 )

Xi Jinping President of the People's Republic of China influenced Japan's defense budget increase.

Xi Jinping continued aggression, the government of China constant intimidation subjugated a response.

Look, I have the upmost respect for the President of the united states of America.

There are times Joe Biden can be an insufferable fool.

-9 ( +17 / -26 )

I believe Matsuno.

-9 ( +0 / -9 )

Japan is a vassal state of the US. The US wants Japan to spend more on US weapons and defense....

Japan obeys. Japan knows it's place.

-11 ( +21 / -32 )

With friends like america who needs enemies!

-11 ( +8 / -19 )

We are the only nuked country so we better look out. Especially okinawians.

-14 ( +3 / -17 )

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