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© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Japan to stick to non-nuclear arms pledge despite Trump remark
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SenseNotSoCommon
These haven't been broken before, and Mr Abe has the utmost respect for policy.
MarkG
Why is this news? A comment by a presidential candidate means nothing at this point.
Geoff Gillespie
Really? Maybe you're not fully up to speed with events, but that particular presidential candidate has serious momentum and is in the process of confounding all logic by making it seem like he has a very real chance of taking the top job in November. It'll be a bit too late to act surprised at that point...
Schopenhauer
Do not stick to non nuclear policy. This is a good chance, if Trump becomes a president, Japan to become a truly independent country without a foreign military in their land.
trouble
Well, except for the few screwdriver turns to finish assembly. (wink wink)
ThePBot
Yes, because the LDP is known to stand by with Japan's policies and laws.
Abhorsenaube
Last thing this world needs is more nuclear weapons.
MarkG
Trump as only a candidate of who is likely not nominated with all the negative press he receives. For that reason, his comments are not applicable and not serious.
Whatsnext
Having nuclear weapons is a deterrent for other countries that have nuclear weapons. It doesn't mean you have to use them. North Korea keeps threatening theirs against Japan and South Korea so it might be a good idea to keep a more level playing field. Also China has plenty of them and is very adamant about "their" islands.
A world with no nuclear weapons is a very idealistic pipe dream that will never be realized, like a world with out guns.
MarkG
If only no nation had nuclear weapons.....just a dream. You missed no more wars Whatsnext. Not possible anytime in the near future. Human nature is competitive in many degrees.
FightingViking
I hate to imagine a world with people like Trump, Le Pen and Abé in "leadership" positions...
theeastisred
Japan doesn't have a non-nuclear arms policy.
Whatsnext
Good point theeastisred. Also if you think Japan doesn't already have any nuclear weapons you are being naive.
gogogo
Trump wants war but not in America, let the rest of them blow each other up
dcog9065
I think rather than developing weapons, Japan should maybe improve its breakout capacity for nukes. It already has one of the fastest breakout capacities in the world for non-nuclear countries so that could also prove to be a potent deterrent.
Tom Webb
Japan should have atomic weapons for protection. I am still not sure if Japan doesn't already have nukes made by US.
MarkG
No doubt Japan is covered by nukes. US navy is there. Japan doesn't need them. IF The US pulled out of Japan then this is a discussion.
katsu78
Well, that was an alright answer.
A better, more culture/media savvy answer would be, "Who's this Trump guy? Pffftt... that's ridiculous. American political candidates don't dictate Japan's defense policy. You Americans are seriously thinking about voting for anyone that misinformed?" Then insisting the New York Times not waste his time with any more questions about idiots.
Dan Lewis
Generally, listening to what Trump says and then doing the opposite is a good rule of thumb for a lot of things.
nath
The problem is the guy flip-flops more than a beach in Hawaii, so if you do the opposite of whatever he says, you'll likely pass out from dizziness.
toshiko
Trump is not going to be elected. He will bring back stolen US workers from Japan first. Then Iran stop trade with Korea. Asked he meant China, he said No, China is too far from Korea. Nearest Iran. His special talent? Creating aporno pictured of Cruz's wife.
ghoneim mohamed
This is a wise policy of Abe government,yes Japan has to stick to its non- nuclear arm pledge.Its well nuclear weapons are just for power balance and to keep any threaten away,but no countries dares nowadays to use,even if there is a war,but meantime its time Japan has to reconsider its strategy towards more self defense independence,which goes through changing constitution.its not anymore a question more than a clear fact.
bjohnson23
Japan’s government said Monday that it will stick to its policy of not possessing nuclear weapons, and why not, since the US under Trump will pull and China has theirs, Japan will fall under someone's nuclear umbrella, besides doesn't China claim to own the island of Japan and all the islets in their eyes. President Trump will take all of the US troops out of Japan and leave us to the madmen from China but what does he care we all look alike to him.
John-San
Geoff Gillespie: Trump progress is due to the free run the democrat have allowed Trump, hoping he win the Republican endorsement. Trump is a fool and I assume that the majority of USA citizens are not. If they were foolish then Trump would be world problem. I have not heard of any possitive endorement of Trump from any world leaders. The only comment being that "He is only a runner". Trump is trouble with a capital T and if elected president of the USA I see a hell of a lot of agreements with Allies will dissolve. In other words the USA would not have the same support from the Allies if Trump is elected.
toshiko
@bj: You are first person who does not know US presidential election hasn't been performed yet.
nath
Right. The Japanese government and media will simply continue to turn a blind eye to the nuclear weapons on US ships and aircraft in Japan, and claim that Japan is free of such weapons.
nath
Trump's cronies are starting to jump ship! http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2016/03/28/trump_super_pac_director_stephanie_cegielski_writes_letter_on_why_she_s.html
This is almost ironic. The Republican party creates an environment of hatred that leads to Trump. Trump creates an even bigger environment of hatred which is leading to his people jumping ship. Soon, there will be so much hate that they will all hate each other and the Republican party and Trump's goal will be achieved: Make America Hate Again!
Triring
Everyone is forgetting that nuclear weapon non-proliferation is not controlled by the US it's a UN mandate and whether Trump is elected or not he is just another voice within hundreds.
Trump thinking the US is all mighty above others is going to get him struck down.
lostrune2
Putin would like Trump's policy
smithinjapan
Why the need to even comment? Makes it sound like they are or were actually weighing the option.
shonanbb
And the only thing the US pays for in Japan are the troops and US civilian salaries. All Japanese nationals are paid by Japan. All the infrastructure and utilities, maintenance and buildings etc. are paid by my Japanese Taxes. So, Mr. Trump needs to read a bit more, as hot air is getting stinky.
savorelli
FightingVikingMAR. 29, 2016 - 08:31AM JST I hate to imagine a world with people like Trump, Le Pen and Abé in "leadership" positions...
Add to that Boris Johnson ... LOL
toshiko
@savor: It is obvious you don't know Trump or Abe.
Fadamor
The only job he "has a very real chance of taking" is the Republican nomination. When his numbers are bounced against the Democratic front-runners, he becomes an "also-ran".
patty cake champion
I can imagine the social effects on Japan if the US does pull the nuclear umbrella.
The Japanese news media will be covering stories like a children's book that supposedly helps parents calm their children over this new Trans-Pacific security arrangement, or the government distributing guide pamphlets with instructions that goes something like this:
"Your child may over the course of several days ask questions like, "Doesn't America love Japan anymore?" or "Daddy, I noticed that defense spending allocation has increased three-folds in the next preliminary state budget, is Japan returning to a fascist oligarchical state backed by quasi-military elements?." DO NOT PANIC, remain calm and change the subject to your recently enamored talento's favorite food."
KnowBetter
If Trump wins then one might seriously need to figure out a way to hide the keys to the red button.
gokai_wo_maneku
Dear USA: Please be sure that Trump does not become president. I know that the Japanese tabloid press is having a field day with the nude pictures of his wife, and that may be more interesting, but that is not really a policy.
toshiko
@gokai: that is nothing. I don't think what Trump created will not shown in Japan's any magazines.