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© Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Japan, Vietnam agree to boost defense, economic, energy ties
By HAU DINH and MARI YAMAGUCHI HANOI©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
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Desert Tortoise
How so? All nations have a right to use the worlds oceans. It is China that is making illegal territorial claims to international waters. Japan isn't making claims to China's territorial seas. China is claiming other nation's waters as their own. I would argue it is ultimately more dangerous for nations to fear China and cede their rights under international law to them. Japan is doing the proper thing by vigorously asserting their rights as a nation to sail anywhere in international waters.
Btw, why do you go by the name of a former PM's wife?
kurisupisu
He’ll get a good suit in Hanoi for a good price!
Hung Nguyen
He really does dress like a taxi driver.
I find the above remark quite baffling given the title of the article is all about the first overseas trip of the new Japanese PM to boost Japan defence, economic, and energy ties with Vietnam.
Meanwhile, I agree with vanityofvanities' statement that "He (Suga) is a Japanese man you can see in everyday life. He might have purchased his suits at a super market not at a tailor shop in Ginza." This point is validated when having a humble profile has been intentionally embraced by ancient Eastern sages (through the way they call themselves "the widower" or "the unfortunateness" in talking to their subjects) and recently been adopted by the rich and famous CEOs (e.g. Mark Zuckerberg has been spotted in Volkswagen hatchback and a Honda Fit...; Richard Branson wears the same pair of jeans everyday and for all occasions including seeing the queen) as a visual trick to establish their thrifty brand image.
Septim Dynasty
Out of many things that I have disagreed with you. This one that I actually agree.
I would leave that job of a kimono to the Empress of Japan. She represents the Japanese culture better than the First Lady.
Selling "American" military equipments because all of Japanese arms are American-based and American-designed anyway.
In truth, this is a very smart way for the Vietnamese to diplomatically circumvent the Chinese aggression. Vietnam wants to buy American arms but the Chinese are constantly screeching at the prospect of the USA-Vietnam alliance. Remember when Taiwan bought 7 billion USD of American arms? China sent military forces near the Taiwan Straight, then they sent their own thugs to beat up Taiwanese people overseas. There are many antics that the CCP conducts on the Taiwanese and Taiwan as well. Vietnam doesn't want to be like Taiwan here.
Vietnam buys Japanese weapons but in truth, they are using the Japanese to buy American arms for them. If Vietnamese want to buy F-35, then they will ask Japanese to sell them Mitsubishi F-2 (written in name, but American produced) instead. The Chinese will not have any reason to press Vietnam on the supposed alliance with the USA.
Aside the Chinese, Vietnamese people in Japan are also serving the elite rank of Japan's academia and are successful business-owners of various size in various prefectures. The interesting fact here is that their community explosively becomes dominant and prevalent in a very short time. I would not be surprised if we see Viet-towns everywhere in Japan or across the world in the future.
Hung Nguyen
Both Asian countries share a common culture of self-discipline and a strong work ethic that should lead to better relations and mutual understanding, but as their relations prosper, they must proceed carefully without antagonizing that suspicious elephant lurking outside the room.
In my view, the way Suga places Vietnam as Japan's most important strategic partner in the fight against China's expansion and aggression in the Southeast Asia Sea has been much appreciated by Vietnam and its people. In addition to the sale of military equipments, through subsidising up to half the cost of relocating such investments within ASEAN for large companies, and two-thirds for smaller businesses, Suga's government aims to encourage Japanese businesses to expand production bases to Southeast Asian nations.
Despite Japan's role in the Vietnamese starvation of 1944-1945, these positive developments together with Japan's considerable aids after Vietnam implementing the Đổi Mới policy have won the heart and mind of the whole nation. And this is exactly the message that as long as Vietnam has good friends and the determination to fight, the big bully China should back off!
u_s__reamer
Japan owes Vietnam for its aggressive policies in the 20th century which ultimately cost millions of Vietnamese their lives. With the wary (Chinese) elephant outside the room listening in, the Japanese are now well-positioned to mend their ties with the Vietnamese and build a solid economic partnership going into the future. Both Asian countries share a common culture of self-discipline and a strong work ethic that should lead to better relations and mutual understanding, but as their relations prosper, they must proceed carefully without antagonizing that suspicious elephant lurking outside the room .
ReasonandWisdomNippon
Vietnam has been a good friend and partner of Japan.
Vietnamese people love Japanese culture, food, anime, technology. They have a warrior spirit just like Japan too.
I'm glad to see Suga has made a good decision in picking Vietnam.
Yrral
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albaleo
If our political opinions are to be based on photographs as suggested by those commenting on smiles and suits and spouse's clothes, I'd say Suga is perhaps the strongest leader around. He doesn't seem to care about image. I'd say that's important and a refreshing change.
Sven Asai
Still so shy, that growing unlimited love with a very strict communist country...how sweet. Why not instantly unite with NK, China and Russia directly? lol Are you becoming somewhat crazy, trying to dance with those undemocratic regimes?
Peter Neil
So Japan is embracing and selling military equipment to a communist country now?
sf2k
This is great for Japan and good for Suga here. The photos are a metaphor for Japan. Venturing forth, finding friends that were always there, embracing dialogue and partnerships, not 19th century rhetoric.
An open Japan with friends is a Japan without the Nippon Kaigi, even if it's in spite of the LDP. Friendship naturally leads to peace
AviBajaj
What dangerous path all the neighbors of china have to do is slap hard on PLA they will start to cry n run away thats what happened in Ladakh so its only a matter of time left for CCP
Akie
Japan is playing very dangerous game, trying to claim Pacific Indo oceans. Suga is inviting troubles for future generations, and pushing Japan in a path toward disasters. He must be stopped.
itsonlyrocknroll
The final photo is worthy of the event, ad hoc.
itsonlyrocknroll
I am not being over critical or disrespectful. Suga san needs a more crisp visual approach.
He appears tense, although enjoying the occasion.
Grandad has a similar demeanor, outwardly dour, but a inwardly a kind and thoughtful person.
Politic/social media is unforgiving, and cruel.
OssanAmerica
Personally, I think that since Madam Tran Thi Nguyet is wearing an Ao Dai, Madam Mariko Suga should have worn a kimono. What she's wearing makes her look like just one of the ladies in the department store food section. And I do agree that one of PM Suga's highly paid secretaries should get him fitted for a decent suit.
itsonlyrocknroll
Also Suga san struggles in crowds. It appears to be forced friendly this or that, I am disingenuous more time needed.
itsonlyrocknroll
No disrespect, visit Tarō Asō San tailors.
vanityofvanities
Suga is a self built man. He hailed from a god forsaken place in snow deep Akita. He is a Japanese man you can see in everyday life. He might have purchased his suits at a super market not at a tailor shop in Ginza.
Spitfire
Man,Suga is looking more and more like a vagrant by the minute.
With the amount of cash the taxpayers have to surge on the 'elites' every year you would think he would at least manage to have one decent suit for overseas trips.
OssanAmerica
Interesting that Japan and Vietnam share in their history war with the United States. But today both have no problem with the U.S. as they both face the new Chinese fascist monster.
Nihonview
Good Job PM Suga. Vietnam is a growing market and well postion to help Japan. I read that Japan just shipped some new train sets to Vietnam and Vietnam is part of the TPP. Win-Win for both countries.
Fighto!
Brilliant choice by Suga as his first trip. Vietnamese people look up to and absolutely love Japan. The cultural and economic ties are strong, and getting stronger by the year. Hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people live and work in Japan, and hundreds of Japanese companies have their manufacturing based in Vietnam.
Two great, freedom-loving nations, with friendly people and very strong governments. Standing up for freedom and rule of law. Well done, Suga and Phuc!
vanityofvanities
I often see Vietnamese people in trains in the metropolitan area. They are working in Japan. I wish they are treated good by their employers. They are intelligent people and have talent in mathematics. Suga is a good man and sincere. He is behaving decently and politely to Vietnamese people. I think Phuc and Vietnamese people had the same impression with me.
Mark
now i see Suga smile (sweetly)