Japan to spend more on defense, refit 1st aircraft carrier

How very strange !! North Korea has been quiet and it is possible that peace will prevail between north and south Korea. China is an economic partner and not a military threat. Why are they expanding as the region gets safer?

China is an economic partner and not a military threat. 

Wrong. PRC is a BIG military threat, to Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines and all demicracies of Asia. They are looking to expand all the time, and Japanese territory will be next, without a strong Japan Military. I hope the Aircraft Carrier can be completed in 1-2 years. F-35s will be a big deterrent to PRC and North Korea also. Excellent news.

Sure, spend more money on defense but what about child support? Day care centers? Nursing homes? Or what about people with chronic diseases? Mental health? Nono, not as important as a gddamn aircraft carrier. bah

@Insane Wayne: Yes, the Korean peninsula has become more peaceful since the talks started 10 months ago, but playing the devil's advocate here, the missile threat still exists. China on the other hand is still building up its military might and god knows how many missiles are ready to fire with a push of a button. Not to be fear mongering here, I think Japan's main reason for pursuing its own defense capabilities is to lessen its reliance on the US, which has become more taxing since Trump wants the host countries to shoulder more of the operating costs, something that Japan would rather not have. And yeah, Abe is hawkish.

While this is great news for Japan, it needs to be planning a larger purpose built carrier of 50-60,000 tons.

Having a mid sized and a small carrier to deploy would relieve the US of stationing one of its carriers in Japan year round. Good for everyone. Reduce US costs and give Japan greater self reliance in its self defense.

The work would be done over five years and the ship would carry 10 stealth fighters. The refitting of a second helicopter carrier would follow.

 I hope the Aircraft Carrier can be completed in 1-2 years

Yeah I'm baffled as well as to why it would take 5 years. That is an awfully long time to make modifications to a pre-existing ship, especially given the prevalence of carrier killers now. Still America continues their carrier program, as does China, so perhaps they think they can survive

We are investing a lot of money in weapons we cannot use. Unless we change our peace constitution, they are waste of money.

While the warfare of 20th century superpowers changed drastically, will you stick to regional sabrerattling?

Japan to spend more on defense, refit 1st aircraft carrier

I suppose if all that you have is politicians who can't communicate and whose "diploma techniques" consist of alternatively shouting and shutting their ears, then building up arms is the only solution.

Of course the kickbacks help Abe's friends and relatives too.

My mothers family is called „gods peace“ well Gottfried in nordis terms.

Why are they expanding as the region gets safer?

Because this is what Donald Trump wants, and Abe & Co. will do anything to please him.

Japan needs such high military expenditure to defend its rapidly graying population and vast expansive mountain ranges that China enviously eyes!

Oh, and Japan’s rapidly decaying infrastructure must be the jewel in the crown for any invading power...

Imagine what the world would be like if all military spending was directed towards real threats such as global warming or advancement such as science. What a complete waste of resources. I am furious that the taxes I pay are directed in this way.

It’s foolish to believe a JNDF Carrier would see the U.S. withdrawing its carrier from Yokosuka. At a time in today’s world SEATO needs to fortify it’s military Forces to show China & NK it’s strong enough to defend themselves. China has but One Long Term GOAL in the region — control of the entire Asian Pacific and produce an economical chokehold overthrew Region ! Those who think otherwise are living in a dreamworld to say the very least.!!

For those who complain about military spending, go to China and Korea first! They are the ones spending billions and constantly increasing their budget and military skills, technology, abilities.

Japan= 1% economic spending. Eat it.

Meanwhile the government also gives BILLIONS to third-world nations as it dually shrugs and says we have no choice but to increase taxes again because "there is no money". But hey, let's put in record defense bills, going up exponentially each year, because hell, we won't be here when the chickens come home to roost! Abe has no kids, so what does he care -- a man born with a silver spoon in his mouth -- if the people that come after him, of no blood relation, have to spend their entire lives from birth to death in debt for his ego and insecurity?

AlexBecu: "For those who complain about military spending, go to China and Korea first! "

So, what they do is okay? or are you just saying you want Japan to be like them?

Japan= 1% economic spending. Eat it.

I agree. 1% is very much towards the lower end of developed countries.

Wow if i ever went to 2% people it seems would be having a heart attack.

Its like listening to the Germans complain and yet back in the Cold War days their spending was well over 3% of GDP, its now moving towards 1.5% slowly...

One more step closer to wars, no doubt about it at all. Obviously, more dangers are upon Japanese people, more sacrifices are on the way, more lives will be lost, the only unobviously is how more.

How would Japan like China view it when it views China as a threat, as a war target, as a potential occupier, and as a country Japan wants to attack again ?

Alright guys, I know that spending taxes on welfare is important but we should be discussing Why the government spent on defence and shouldn’t be talking about Instead of... whatever. Cause that’s completely nonsense and you could say it whenever the government approves anything. So, back to the story, my opinion is, since China and both Korea is being a threat to japan for several years now, I think they considered them as a hypothetical enemy.

I actually don’t understand why people are so much against these case when China, especially, is literary invading SE Asia.

Jimmy N, which part of SE Asia is invaded by China ?

A cost estimate for the refitted carrier wasn't given. The work would be done over five years and the ship would carry 10 stealth fighters. The refitting of a second helicopter carrier would follow.

In 2014 I studied a report from Ingalls Shipbuilding. That is the one that builds the amphibious assault ships Wasp class of the American Navy. In relation to a hypothetical re-conversion of the Izumo into an aircraft carrier.

According to that study the maximum number of combat aircraft to operate loosely in the reformed Izumo is 5 units. 3 on the deck and 2 in the interior hangars. Anything in excess of 5 aircraft will result in operating in a slow and suffocating environment due to lack of available space. This will result in a longer reaction time in the event of a combat emergency. Having 10 planes in the Izumo will be chaos. And it won't be possible. At most if you ship 8 F-35B it will be a miracle. And that figure is also questioned. In the end, the report said that a maximum of 6 or 7 planes.

Another problem is the reduction of deck space. With the installation of a Ski-Jump the Izumo use cover will be reduced by 30%. With the elimination of 1 parking lot of large helicopters. And it will alter the dimension of the other adjacent parking lot. This loss of usable deck will further reduce the existing one for the manoeuvring of the aircraft inside it.

Another problem is the plane assigned for that purpose. The F-35B has been chosen because it is the only aircraft in the world that is capable of operating from the Izumo. Another problem is the plane assigned for that purpose. The F-35B has been chosen because it is the only aircraft in the world that is capable of operating from the Izumo. The only one available that is in production and for sale. There is no other alternative model. The McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II was discontinued in 2005. And it is not for sale.

One more thing. The aircraft carrier Izumo will be the weakest in the world. Its current competitor the Liaoning (16) will operate 38 Combat Fighters. In front of the 5 of Izumo. Just so you can see what a big power difference there is. So that detractors may say that Izumo is offensive in nature. I am simply telling them that they are totally wrong.

It's a defensive airline. Its offensive capacity is almost nil.

@Toshihiro, well said. Except I don't think Abe is hawkish, he is a realist. The reality is that the world will never be peaceful, and civilized democratic nations absolutely must be very strong. Thugs of the world only understand strength. You do not try to reason with Hitler types, no matter how nice they seem. He fooled most of the German people. And they are very smart. Just were not wise.

AkieToday 10:23 pm JST

One more step closer to wars, no doubt about it at all. Obviously, more dangers are upon Japanese people, more sacrifices are on the way, more lives will be lost, the only unobviously is how more.

Once again a China supporter stating war is near because a country follows China's lead by introducing Aircraft Carriers into the region. Apparently China cant be emulated. Perhaps China should set an example for others to follow by reducing their weapons first? Sadly it does not have the courage to do so, but it expects others to maintain small and insignificant defenses. Japan is no threat to any nation. Should any nation attack Japan, it will defend itself with every means at its disposal. As is its sovereign right.

Peter14, you have no idea what Japan did to China during WW2. It is because that reason, international laws forbid Japan to develop war capabilities. Now Abe govt violated and broke the international laws and brought war to Japanese people. I am a strong supporter for Japan's defense capability, and believe that Japan has inherited right of self defense. All Abe did has nothing to do with self defense, it is offense and offensive to our neighbours. To declare neighbours as threats is not self defense, to provoke wars against neighbours is not self defense, to be involved in wars against neighbours voluntarily in not self defense.

USA and Japan should concentrate on their own people and their own social and material infrastructures.

Building a stronger military only forces China and Russia build more of their military. Up to now they keep catching up and not surpassing. Considering that they have never been aggressors and have been aggressed and are under constant political and military threat by USA, its puppet NATO with SK and Japan closely sticking by, it is a normal trend for those two to be frightened and ready for a preemptive defensive strike. It does not matter how much Japan robs the mouths of its people to please the warmongers and USA , If the Chinese or Russians are provoked in too a war it will be an all out war, a quick all buttons pressed war and while they well be hit back hard there will be no winners. If China goes for more land it is Russia, not Japan to be concerned however this is not happening any time soon. Free independent highly populated Japan is better for China as a commercial partner and consumer. China's dominance around its borders and shores is natural and justifiable while USA presence on everyone's borders and shores is an aggression and international injustice and cause tensions everywhere. And ironically Japan and USA are more afraid than happy with any rapprochement between two Koreas, specially the military warmongers would lose part of their reasoning for heavier militarization.

Wrong. PRC is a BIG military threat, to Japan, 

Really? Let's look at their track record in relations. Number of japanese ports opened by force: 0, number of atomic bombs dropped on Japan: 0...

AkieToday 11:31 pm JST

Peter14, you have no idea what Japan did to China during WW2. It is because that reason, international laws forbid Japan to develop war capabilities. Now Abe govt violated and broke the international laws and brought war to Japanese people. I am a strong supporter for Japan's defense capability, and believe that Japan has inherited right of self defense. All Abe did has nothing to do with self defense, it is offense and offensive to our neighbours. To declare neighbours as threats is not self defense, to provoke wars against neighbours is not self defense, to be involved in wars against neighbours voluntarily in not self defense.

Your comment above shows your COMPLETE lack of knowledge of the subject matter.

There is NO International law forbidding Japan to develop war capabilities. None at all, there never has been.

I have a good knowledge of what happened in WWII as I myself am an ex member of my countries military, and my father was in the Australian Air Force and fought against the Japanese in WWII.

Abe has broken no International laws and has brought no war to Japan.

You support nothing but a weak Japan. Your comments display that time and time again.

China builds up a huge military when it has not been threatened by anyone in 70 years. If China can do that then so can Japan and anyone else. Get off your high horse thinking China is superior and everyone must comply with China's wishes.

Japan WILL have aircraft carriers. Because it chooses to and because it is only prudent to have them to counter China's growing military that is in no way needed.

China looks to dominate, Japan looks to defend itself from domination.

Akie Today 12:15 am JST

""Japan shall be permitted to maintain such industries as will sustain her economy and permit the exaction of just reparations in kind, but not those which would enable her to rearm for war."

That paragraph you set out is a moratorium that was introduced in the Treaty of San Francisco in 1951. It expired in 2005. Since that year, Japan once again had an internationally recognized legal military capability.

Because he believes that the Ministry of Defense was re-established in 2007. Because the ban expired 2 years earlier.

Insane Wayne:

How very strange !! ....China is an economic partner and not a military threat.

I've never heard anything more strange than such statements.

Akie Today 01:20 am JST

dougthehead13, what authority do you have to declare that the law I quoted is expired ? Does it mean that Koreas will be colonized by Japan again, automatically ? Does it mean that Taiwan will be colonized again, automatically ? Does mean that Philippine will be colonized again, automatically ? Does it mean that Vietnam will be colonized again, automatically ?

I don't think I understand myself well.

In the 1951 treaty of San Francisco. A 55-year moratorium was imposed on Japan by way of punishment to prohibit the possession of war assets. That punishment would enter into force from the very day of the signing of that treaty.

Adding up the data is a perfect match. 1951 + 55 = 2005.

A note. China did not join that treaty precisely because of the inclusion of that temporary moratorium.

Conclusion. The international legal prohibition expired 13 years ago. Now Japan's only legal prohibition is national in character at the domestic policy level. Article 9.

And today's Japan doesn't want war.

Japan, more specifically Abe and his friends would be wise to examine the situation they are in more closely. America will have a presidential election in less than 2 years, and the chances of very left-wing socialist candidate like Bernie to win are very high. If a socialist like Bernie wins, that means the military budget will be cut in half to pay for all their social programs and welfare spending, and a lot of troops will be coming back home, which means there will be a major shift in the US foreign policy, from containing China to minding our own business. Japan should realize that if this happens, they will be on their own with regards to China, so they should carefully consider theri attitude and behavior on how to deal with China right now.

China, Korea the answer is simple.

Adopt a pacifist constitution as well, get rid of nuclear weapons that you have. Don't build aircraft carriers which is aggressive like you said.

AlexBecu, China has a peaceful constitution, and specifically has a peace treaty with Japan.

China has a peaceful constitution,

If China is so peaceful, explain why they have the largest military in the world.

Oh, wait. Is it to defend itself against it's neighbors? HOW IRONIC.

No. If the war breaks against China, it will be finished in a few minutes.

No, if war starts with China, it will be long and bloody. It will be because China initiated it and the US (and most likely many other allied nations) will end it.

extanker, China has the largest population on the planet you live in, and surrounded by largest diamond you promoted, and still has separated Taiwan supported by imperialist Abe associates, that is why China needs a largest military for the peace of China and for the peace of Chinese people, and for the peace of Japan too.

extanker, China has the largest population on the planet you live in, and surrounded by largest diamond you promoted, and still has separated Taiwan supported by imperialist Abe associates, that is why China needs a largest military for the peace of China and for the peace of Chinese people, and for the peace of Japan too.

That has got to be the weakest excuse I've heard. By that logic, Japan can have a large military for the peace of Japan, and for the peace of China too.

This is more about Japan creating the impression with Trump that they are spending more on their own defense and in the same breath try to use it as leverage in trade discussions as well.

The auto industry talks are going to end up going nowhere, but increases in spending for defense, and purchasing from US corporations will help on that front as well.

If Japan is truly going to "build" their own military, it IS time for the US to get the hell out of here!

In the 1951 treaty of San Francisco. A 55-year moratorium was imposed on Japan by way of punishment to prohibit the possession of war assets. That punishment would enter into force from the very day of the signing of that treaty.

Adding up the data is a perfect match. 1951 + 55 = 2005.

A note. China did not join that treaty precisely because of the inclusion of that temporary moratorium.

Conclusion. The international legal prohibition expired 13 years ago.

A treaty is not a law. As such it is in no way enforceable without the use of force itself. Treaties can be withdrawn from.

There was an International ruling on the South China sea that concluded that China has no legal rights to ownership of the South China sea. Yet China ignores this ruling. I guess that makes China in breach of International law by Akie's own standards. Perhaps Japan should continue to point that fact out to China at every opportunity.

Japans right to develop a military force of its choosing is as strong as any country in the world. With the exception of chemical and biological weapons that have been banned Internationally. If Thailand can have an aircraft carrier, and if China can have multiple aircraft carriers then so can Japan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTMS_Chakri_Naruebet

on the pretext of "Threat from China",

Big Gift from Japanese Abe government to Trump.

Repetition of stupid armament race like cold war era.