Kono calls for U.S. assurances to deter nuclear ambitions

How was this news story skipped over?

Japan PM candidate Taro Kono risks sinking campaign with nuclear sub plan to counter China

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3277526/japan-pm-candidate-taro-kono-risks-sinking-campaign-nuclear-sub-plan-counter-china

"If the U.S. government becomes unstable,

I guess that means “If Trump is elected”

Japan PM candidate Taro Kono risks sinking campaign with nuclear sub plan

Just to clarify, Kono is not proposing that Japan’s submarines be armed with nuclear weapons. The subs would be nuclear-powered so that they can remain submerged for up to three months.

His rivals are trying to turn it into the idea that he wants to make Japan a nuclear power.

"I think whatever the rate is, it needs to be stable."

There is no arguing with that statement by Mr Kono...

Much easier just to get one of your own, Japan.

Doing so would hurt rather than strengthen Japan's national security, said Kono, because apart from proliferation risks, it would probably cut off access to the nuclear fuel Japan needs for its power plants at a time of tight energy supplies.

Any of those actually working right now?

Japan PM hopeful Kono calls for U.S. assurances to deter nuclear ambitions

That means there is an increasing number of opinions among LDP members that Japan should nuclearize itself. Mind-boggling, indeed.

This is the end-result of U.S. efforts to get rid of nuclear allergy from Japan.

Just to clarify the only reason a sub would need this kind of capability is to take on the role of trying to bottle up China's ballistic missile nuclear submarines as the Aussies unwisely seem to want to do with AUKUS. Taro san should take a look at how many tens of billions of dollars that will cost the Australian tax payer to give the country the ability to park a few boats in deep waters of the Pacific thousands of kilometers from the Australian coast.

Just to clarify, Kono is not proposing that Japan’s submarines be armed with nuclear weapons. 

We have retired USA military people here that know a lot more about this stuff than I do but people seem to hold Japanese conventional subs in high regard as far as their ability to defend Japanese waters.

What legal obligation the US owe Japan,we do not have a first strike nuclear policy for the US ,this is sign of weakness

Kono is and always has been a puppet working for US interests, a politician groomed and trained to serve as a Trojan horse sent from the US. The last thing the U.S. wants is an independent, nuclear-armed Japan.

He's actually Aso's puppet, and a second generation politician following his father, like Abe and so many others in the LDP. Politics in Japan is a family business, no thanks. Vote out the LDP.

War Talk Again,

Must be the age of wars we are living in now , might be a good idea to step back a little and look what wars has done to us and many generations before us.

We can always start one but we can't end it the way we planned it, having the nukes may deter others but Not Guaranteed.

Peace is the only formula to Prosperity, anything else is UGLY.

has about as much chance to win as I do. Actually the LDP doesn't have much chance this time no matter who they put out there

I’m far from a dove on global issues and security, but if Japan were to develop a nuclear weapon despite suffering the way they did in Hiroshima and Nagasaki first hand, I get this horrible feeling in my stomach that we are all doomed. The end of any semblance of soft power, of which Japan has been trying to champion for 70 plus years would be a net loss for the world and the species! America should not let it happen and just give them the assurances they need. Some things should stay sacred.

"However, if Japan were to declare its intention to abandon nuclear disarmament, South Korea and others might follow suit."

While this may be true in principle, in reality South Korea is far far more likely to go nuclear before Japan.

It only takes 5 minutes for Japanese adversaries to launch a nuclear strike on Tokyo

MeiyouwentiToday  07:42 am JST

Kono is and always has been a puppet working for US interests, a politician groomed and trained to serve as a Trojan horse sent from the US. The last thing the U.S. wants is an independent, nuclear-armed Japan.

And exactly how would a nuclear armed Japan be any different from presently nuclear armed UK and France?

Japan should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. There are already too many countries with them.

wallaceToday 08:41 am JST

Japan should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. There are already too many countries with them.

Russia and China had the chance to stop North Korea from their program.

Japan should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons.

No country should decided this for Japan.

WoodyLeeToday 07:54 am JST

Peace is the only formula to Prosperity, anything else is UGLY.

You'd have slightly more credibility in that if you weren't celebrating a "new world order emerging".

Resistance against any new country gaining a nuclear weapon. Saudi Arabia and South Korea are also seeking a nuclear weapon.

Non-Proliferation.

I wonder when Japanese people are going to wake up!

This so called candidate is just another puppet at the hands of US arms lobbies in Wall Street. Trying to fuel the anti-China rhetoric to wage another war, same style of what's going in Gaza for their own economic interests.

Washington its like a McDonalds now: please can I take your orders? Missiles, tanks, and now nuclear submarines to the servant states. This is getting out of control and there are no real politicians.

I really wonder when Japanese people are going to wake up....

talk is cheap.especially politicians one.

TrustNo1

"If the U.S. government becomes unstable, some people in Japan might suggest that Japan develop an independent nuclear deterrent," Kono told Reuters. "However, if Japan were to declare its intention to abandon nuclear disarmament, South Korea and others might follow suit."

If you want peace then prepare for war. I don't see anyone attacking North Korea. Japan should be able to develop its own nuclear arsenal if the Japanese wish to do so regardless of the US thinks.

This so called candidate is just another puppet at the hands of US arms lobbies in Wall Street. Trying to fuel the anti-China rhetoric to wage another war, same style of what's going in Gaza for their own economic interests.

Washington its like a McDonalds now: please can I take your orders? Missiles, tanks, and now nuclear submarines to the servant states. This is getting out of control and there are no real politicians.

Kono Taro and many of the others will have to report to the US in their weekly meetings in Tokyo. If I were Japanese I'd vote for Takaichi. Motegi has a good chance because he's the blandest of the three: Ishiba, Kono, Motegi.

If Japan or South Korea goes nuclear armed, China will renounce "No-first using" of nuclear weapons. That means China might strike at anytime without notice. Also easing the procedure to deploy tactical nuclear weapons for local or fleet commanders to use that weapon.

So think twice or more !

In a perfect world, nuclear weapons would not be necessary. In this part of the world, China, North Korea & Russia (An Axis of Evil?!) are far from perfect. As a matter of fact, we can probably all agree that they're downright dangerous. Hence, better with nukes than without them. At the same time, it's a shame because of Japan's tragic history regarding Hiroshima & Nagasaki, but that doesn't change the fact that Japan has some dangerously aggressive neighbors.

"That means China might strike at anytime without notice."

Yeah, right. Starting WWIII . . . real smart move.

Regarding DeanzaZZR's good comment:

"Japan PM candidate Taro Kono risks sinking campaign with nuclear sub plan to counter China"

I suggest learning about the current US "nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCM-N)" development program.

They could be carried by such nuclear subs.

The US is increasingly interested in the idea of "limited nuclear war".

I will also add the nuclear subs are notable for their extended range, making them excellent offensive weapons. Note I said "offensive", not "defensive".

IANAL but I believe it's pretty obvious that this would go against the Japanese constitution. Even with Japan bending Article 9 quite a bit to justify the SDF, I don't believe it can successfully argue that nukes are defensive weapons.

What is implied is to change Article 9. Do you think nuclear weapons serve as effective deterrents?

quercetumToday 01:28 pm JST

Do you think nuclear weapons serve as effective deterrents?

China certainly tests Japan enough. Nukes would bring some parity.

BellflowerToday 01:12 pm JST

The US is increasingly interested in the idea of "limited nuclear war".

I will also add the nuclear subs are notable for their extended range, making them excellent offensive weapons. Note I said "offensive", not "defensive".

And yet the US doesn't rattle sabers like China's pets.

How was this news story skipped over?

Japan PM candidate Taro Kono risks sinking campaign with nuclear sub plan to counter China

Because it's not news, it's just a brain fart, along with many others...

I can totally understand how and why the LDP had to demote him from the Foreign ministry, then the Defense ministry.

He didn't have the boots for AEGIS Ashore, and given standoff (missiles and drones being dominant in Gaza and Ukraine conflict), you'd think Kono would be walking around with tail between his leg, but no....on the eve of another election for leadership he had to remind everyone how much of a 'maverick' he is (cough cough...severely lacking analytical skills).

Taro Kono, a prime ministerial contender, said.

OK, so AUKUS was a trilateral agreement devised under extreme secrecy and comprehensive consultation (so much so the French were surprised). But all of a sudden Sensei Kono feels the need to discuss Japan nuclear strategy out in the open, void of any consultation, and certainly not based on any signed off defense strategy or pact.

I want to laugh but it's too serious a topic.

Kono is dishonest. 

He pretends to need a promise from the US to defend Japan. In fact he is promoting the US desire to increase its nuclear presence in Japan.

The July "two plus two" talks in Tokyo promoted this agenda along with command reorganizations that would likely make the SDF subordinate to the US military.

The LDP leadership is moving in this direction, no matter who is chosen.

Both China and North Korea want to focus on their development. They have no reason to attack Japan (like Japan attacked them in the past).

The US however wants to overthrow the governments of China and North Korea and make them subservient vassal states. Therefore the US is assembling a military alliance in Asia. The foolish LDP leaders are the descendants of the fools who launched the Pacific war. These fools are sure their schemes will work this time.

BellflowerToday 04:21 pm JST

Both China and North Korea want to focus on their development.

Then, why is North Korea spending most of its budget on its military, rather than development?

And why is China occupying other nations' waters, invading the Indian border, harassing Taiwan, Japan, etc.? Why is it cyber attacking other nations? Why is it conducting the fastest military build-up since WWII?

Neither sounds much like "focusing on their development" to me.

The US however wants to overthrow the governments of China and North Korea and make them subservient vassal states.

Any evidence for this assertion?

Then, why is North Korea spending most of its budget on its military, rather than development

Because monthly military provocations from US, sending B52,B1 bombers flew over the peninsula 38th parallel was hateful enough !

Why is it conducting the fastest military build-up since WWII?

Because America sending warplanes, warships to stalk the coast of China. Is it the entire Pacific Ocean is not enough for Americans to play with your gunboats? And when did China sent warships to the east coast of America, New York to Florida?

You want me continue the list of hateful things the American bully done to us?

Why is it conducting the fastest military build-up since WWII?

Why, you dates to ask me why. Remember the "Galaxy incident" of 1993? Under Bill Clinton administration with unprofound intelligence, a Chinese freighter was harassed by US navy interception. No apology to China. That's why we decide to build a strong navy, airforce an nuclear force to answer to the big bully, we are way to go......not big enough!

wallaceToday  08:41 am JST

Japan should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons. There are already too many countries with them.

"Not allowed" by whom? LOL. No country requires approval or permission to go nuclear. The only reason that Japan has refrained from going nuclear is that they are covered by the US Nuclear Umbrella and they don't want the political baggage that comes with being a nuclear power.

DataToday  12:03 pm JST

Japan should be able to develop its own nuclear arsenal

IANAL but I believe it's pretty obvious that this would go against the Japanese constitution. Even with Japan bending Article 9 quite a bit to justify the SDF, I don't believe it can successfully argue that nukes are defensive weapons.

Actually a nuclear weapon is the ultimate defensive weapon as it completely deters any country from invading it. The only time it becomes an offensive weapon is when a country touts it while invading another country, as Russia is doing.

By the way, Article 9 isn't being bent to justify the existence of the JSDF. It's being flat out ignored.

BellflowerSep. 10 04:21 pm JST

Therefore the US is assembling a military alliance in Asia.

Is this part of the program of lashing out at things that happened 75 years ago?

elephant200Sep. 10 07:32 pm JST

And when did China sent warships to the east coast of America, New York to Florida?

Just because China has no friends in North America, doesn't mean they wouldn't do so whenever they like.

elephant200Sep. 10 07:36 pm JST

Why, you dates to ask me why. Remember the "Galaxy incident" of 1993?

Building the largest navy in the world for something that pales in comparison to what China's ally the Houthis are doing. Makes total sense.

Russia and China, this what should worry you Kono San! The stage is set of the beginning of Third World War and Joe or Kamala are incapable of defending you.

"The “Ocean-24” exercise spanning the Pacific and Arctic Oceans, the Mediterranean, Caspian and Baltic Seas and involves over 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, more than 120 planes and helicopters and over 90,000 troops,.The maneuvers will continue through Sept. 16."

That's what should give us all sleepless nights.

Why is it conducting the fastest military build-up since WWII?

LOL, are you sure you haven't smoked anything before posting?

USA spending has been trending down, and it will continue down as it withdrawer from globalisation.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeiZ8blBF8X8Biy4mgSdTzGLR7SEr5lz-L6QmJ5ojcVn-dz6Jq9zOYpVM&s=10

TaiwanIsNotChina 

You'd have slightly more credibility in that if you weren't celebrating a "new world order emerging".

A new world order which at least does not fuel other conflicts and commit catastrophes and genocides, see Afghanistan and Gaza in primis, perpetrated by Japan’s main ally. 

US are exaggerating China as a security threat as an excuse for its own military build-up, and now they are trying to finance new LDP candidates into sheepish submissiveness. 

“Let’s pay all pay for the nuclear submarines from United States of America” instead of concentrating on the real issues which concern Japan.

Unbelievable people are still buying into this immoral lecture and so hypocritical.

FosToday 02:58 pm JST

TaiwanIsNotChina 

You'd have slightly more credibility in that if you weren't celebrating a "new world order emerging".

A new world order which at least does not fuel other conflicts and commit catastrophes and genocides, see Afghanistan and Gaza in primis, perpetrated by Japan’s main ally.

You don't think invading Ukraine is creating conflict? You don't think funding Iran to the max is creating conflict?

I wonder if Taro Kono san realises how prophetic his statement represents.

"If the U.S. government becomes unstable, some people in Japan might suggest that Japan develop an independent nuclear deterrent," Kono told Reuters. "However, if Japan were to declare its intention to abandon nuclear disarmament, South Korea and others might follow suit."

I am sure the government of China does, as the US elections November 5th ominously approach.

The Government of China is a clear and present danger to the entire region.

I fear Taro Kono san will face a nigh impossible task convincing the people of Japan to embrace adopt the political med/long term necessity for a tactical/strategic offshore nuclear deterrent.

Especially the sometime smartphone zombie youth vote.

"The Government of China is a clear and present danger to the entire region."@itsonlyrocknroll

It might seems so, however , history shows the collapse of once feared and revered mighty empires. And if we examine carefully most of those empires didn't collapse due to external pressures or threats. But internal political divisions and infighting caused their collapse. And mind you, If United State don't tread carefully, the internal political divisions will result in conflict and chaos spilling all over to the rest of the world. Therefore, China as the Second economy in the world is capable of filling the void and as result that seems to create present danger to the existing global, world order. Strong China, or Strong Japan or any other nation is not a bad thing because the void has to be filled by another nation.

Cephus

The Government of China has no respect for rules based international law, trading, Intellectual Property Protection.

Even the basic human rights of its people, any shipping or trading routes, the sovereignty or freedoms of the people of Taiwan

The Government of China blatantly disrespects the airspace, the seas and waters surrounding Japan, its peace loving people.

All are routinely harassed and bullied with threats or subjected to having to kowtow to the sanctimonious pious hypocritical dictatorship for historic grievances.

Whatever void of past imperialism Japan government and people relinquished, the government of China has wasted little time filling...

-

The Government of China has no respect for rules based international law, trading, Intellectual Property Protection.

Even the basic human rights of its people, any shipping or trading routes, the sovereignty or freedoms of the people of Taiwan

"The Government of China blatantly disrespects the airspace, the seas and waters surrounding Japan, its peace loving people.

All are routinely harassed and bullied with threats or subjected to having to kowtow to the sanctimonious pious hypocritical dictatorship for historic grievances.

Whatever void of past imperialism Japan government and people relinquished, the government of China has wasted little time filling..."itsonlyrocknroll.

Very good rock roll, now imagine all those things you have mentioned forced on others on a global scale. Here is the deal, historically people were conquered through military wars or battles. But things have changed imagine China enforcing their own rules globally?

I believe Cephus that agreed global mutual interest are best practice, confidence and trust is created nurtured though a global rules-based trading system.

No one country are able to tilt the scales in their favour, enforcing their own rules globally.

A Word from Geneva: Why Rules-Based Trade Matters

https://www.csis.org/analysis/word-geneva-why-rules-based-trade-matters

I think Taro Kono san, all candidates should vigorously pursue this doctrine.

TaiwanIsNotChina

“You don't think invading Ukraine is creating conflict? You don't think funding Iran to the max is creating conflict?”

That's good one. Not a single piece of evidence, not a single one, to this day, and as much as they have tried (the mighty Israel lobbies in Washington), has been found on Iran about unlawful support to Russia, and yet you follow the media tailored to Wall Street which mainly try to finance their own financial interest to wage another war. The tragedies in Gaza, and what happened in the past in various angles of the world because the US military should be enough to silence voices like yours, but you still have the nerve to sustain Washington in this inhumane campaign of destabilizing the world to accomodate the needs of few billionaires. 

As for Ukraine and Russia, with due respect, I would not even venture there, cause you seem to know everything about geopolitics and alliances, and have your own ideas of who the good sheriffs are and who are the villains. Germany is in recession and Europe and Japan is buying the shale gas from Texas three times the price of the Russian LNG, in order to have good discounts on missiles and nuclear submarines made in USA. That must be ok with you.

FosToday 03:06 pm JST

Trump says millions have died in Ukraine, making Putin's war far worse than Gaza. I guess you don't care.

TaiwanIsNotChina

Trump says millions have died in Ukraine, making Putin's war far worse than Gaza. I guess you don't care.

Ah ok… the source is Donald Trump now, the one who says immigrants eat cats and so on. Perhaps you should revise a bit the role of CIA and Us secret services in 2014 Maidan Square riots, and the previous comments of US envoy Victoria Nuland about the EU. Just Google it. But it seems you are too smart to know it all as long as you protect American administrations.

That’s really a good one, “millions have died in Ukraine”

FosToday 02:46 pm JST

Perhaps you should revise a bit the role of CIA and Us secret services in 2014 Maidan Square riots, and the previous comments of US envoy Victoria Nuland about the EU. Just Google it. But it seems you are too smart to know it all as long as you protect American administrations.

This nonsense does not make it anything but Putin's war.