Japan to step up help for Vietnamese maritime security

The article does not say what kind of ships, but if they are armed or military vessels, isn't this illegal?

Japan announced Tuesday it will give Vietnam used boats and other equipment worth 200 million yen ($1.7 million) to improve its maritime security capabilities as China asserts its territorial claims in regional sea

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

Used BOAT and only $ 1.7 million so I don't think a military ship Gettng rid of junks?.

I don't see how old Japanese boats can improve Vietnamese security. Anger China? Yes. Help protect Vietnam from China's claims? No.

holding talks with Vietnamese Communist Party chief

A meeting of two Dear Leaders?

And China keeps trying to convince the world that "all of Asia" hates Japan. Truth is that all of Asia (except Korea) hates China.

Such cooperation, renewed engagements and regional mobilization would be undreamed off just a few years ago.

Guess China's aggressions do have a silver lining after all.

Providing second had equipment is a very common practice around the world. Many countries that doesn't have enough money to buy brand new equipment does this.

The term "Used" is very broad, but in case of these type of hardware, the usually those equipment are very well maintained and are in a optimal conditions. Or may some people are suggestion that the Vietnamese government spend million of dollars in brand new hardware?

Japan has been helpful in giving Vietnam old ships. These are for Vietnam Coast Guard and the Fishery Surveillance. As often in the past, China Coast Guard and China fishing boats like to ram Vietnam boats so Japanese old boats can be used as front line to prevent ramming attacks. It would be nice if Japan can donate some old destroyers and submarines for Vietnam navy.

The question is what boats or ship considering to donate to Vietnam?

There are a number of Hatsuyuki class DD scheduled to go off line in the next few years.

And China keeps trying to convince the world that "all of Asia" hates Japan. Truth is that all of Asia (except Korea) hates China.

No. Only Japan and Vietnam don't like China. China is actually viewed more favorably than south Korea and India.

http://www.pewglobal.org/2015/09/02/how-asia-pacific-publics-see-each-other-and-their-national-leaders/

Yup and was also found the most unfavorable amongst the four nations. Japan scored the least in unfavorable and top at favorable of the four.

And China keeps trying to convince the world that "all of Asia" hates Japan.

Forget to mention something in my previous post. To be more accurate, all of Asia hate Imperial Japan but not modern Japan. China as usual still live in the past.

A majority of people in the Asia-Pacific region who were surveyed, not including the Chinese, have a positive view of China.

http://www.pewglobal.org/2015/09/02/how-asia-pacific-publics-see-each-other-and-their-national-leaders/

China threat is overrated.

@Triring

There are a number of Hatsuyuki class DD scheduled to go off line in the next few years.

It's very unlikely that destroyers will be transferred to Vietnamese, they just don't have trained crews for such sophisticated ships. Ex-Coast Guard patrol boats look much more suitable.

And China keeps trying to convince the world that "all of Asia" hates Japan. Truth is that all of Asia (except Korea) hates China.

That's not true. Korea doesn't like China either. But they are too busy bashing Japan for many people to notice.

http://www.pewglobal.org/2015/09/02/how-asia-pacific-publics-see-each-other-and-their-national-leaders/

China threat is overrated.

Wow, actual evidence! I like the way you do things.

Vietnamese, they just don't have trained crews

didn't someone else underestimate them in living memory?

Yes, the Chinese, the Americans and the French.

Good to see Japan helping the Vietnamese.

btw Vietnam doesn't seem to need used subs - they are currently bringing into service modern Russian kilo class subs along with Klub missiles - which China has noticed.

https://johnib.wordpress.com/2015/06/03/china-not-happy-with-russia-after-russian-klub-missiles-found-on-vietnamese-submarines/

they just don't have trained crews for such sophisticated ships

Sophisticated?

Hatsukaze class are from the 80's in which the ones left are used for advanced training by cadets.　It's most likely she is the same level of technology as their Gepard class Frigates they operate.

Vietnam is a major bully for the neighboring Cambodia and much hated there for their strength and for their mean lean efficiency. If the Vietnamese really get into a fighting mode, they are probably one of the strongest soldiers in the world pound for pound. Even the US couldn't defeat them. China also has bitter experience fighting Vietnamese. Some analysts say that China sees Vietnam as its enemy No.1. Supporting Vietnam is a clever move for Japan to keep China busy. Helping the Philippines is a lost cause but Vietnam is a force that really packs a punch. Japan and Vietnam getting closer can exert a considerable psychological pressure on China.

Japan needs friends so why not have an ally like Vietnam to. Gabria1888 you are dead wrong if the US continued bombing Vietnam it would have been endgame politics in america saved Vietnam!

@SenseNotSoCommon

didn't someone else underestimate them in living memory?

We're talking here about combat ships, and with all my respect for Vietnamese as fighters in general their track record on high seas is not very impressive. Vietnamese lost to Chinese several sea clashes in 70-90s.

@Triring

Hatsukaze class are from the 80's

First, there is no Hatsukaze class in the MSDF. May be you mean Hatsuyuki?

Second, do you really believe that a frigate of full displacement 2.000 tons (Gepard) is equal in combat capabilities and technical sophistication to a destroyer of 4.000 tons? Just look at photos and compare antennaes of both classes.

Third, IF Japan provides a destroyer or two (it would be nice, but I doubt that such a deal is possible), then the Vietnamese navy would need additionally at least two or four nundred of well-trained sailors. Where this come from? Complement of Gepard class is just one hundred.