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Kerry says U.S. backs Japan's military buildup

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In the so-called American backings, most people are fooled. But Abe is clear minded. Why would he wants to boost the Japanese military? The American's military is 10 times stronger than the Chinese and Koreans. If Americans are really dependable, Japan would not need to go through that trouble and expense.

So the purpose can only be one of the two: Either Japan wants to attack China, or Japan wants to be independent militarily.

The answer cannot be the former. So it must be the latter. Americans are not dependable. In fact no nation can depend on another. Let alone one that has displayed incredible savagery towards you.

This is a reality that is clear to Abe but not to most Japanese people, who are brain washed by the media to think Americans will protect them. Abe wants to break free of the Americans. He does not want the Japan to be a vassal state of the US. To upset China is, in his calculation, a necessary cost to achieve that goal. The Americans are not fools, they know what Abe is doing. But they are powerless to prevent it. The occupation of Japan has waned and must eventually give way.

Only the peoples in Japan and China are fooled: they think they are going to attack each other. So they start to hate each other. According to Pew survey of countries' attitudes, only 5% of Japanese have favorable opinions of Chinese. Those are probably people who have actually been to China. But the overwhelming majority dislike Chinese. By the rule of thumb of relationships, the feelings are probably mutual. Namely, a similar overwhelming Chinese probably dislike Japanese.

What an incredible political cost for both nations! Abe's calculation is full of Kamikaze.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Blow open some of the US atrocities like Manning, Snowden, etc., and see what happens.

They have NO one to blame but themselves.

Mention anything on any internet site about 9/11 being orchestrated by the US and the comment is CUT or blanketed as a "conspiracy theory."

I do constantly and I'm still here.

You think there is free speech in the U.S.A?

The US DOES allow free speech. If it didn't, liberals would have been locked up a very long time ago. Now when it comes to conservatives speaking out, you may well get the hammer. So yes, there is free speech, but it applies overwhelmingly to the left.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

tokyodoumoDec. 21, 2013 - 04:54AM JST The news of military expansion combined with abolishing Article 9 may sound like Japan's declaration to freely >engage in battle when negotiations fail.

Just like China now. Except that Japan has had no wars since 1945 whereas China has several since 1949.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Is Japan providing stability in Far East Asia??? Actually Japan or I should say ABE (Administration) is the reason for crisis in the region right now especially between China & Japan. The news of military expansion combined with abolishing Article 9 may sound like Japan's declaration to freely engage in battle when negotiations fail.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

?!? To quote good ol' John Boehner (who appears to have finally come to his senses), 'Are you kidding me?!' Really, you just lost any credibility on this. The US may not exactly be a beacon of benign behavior, but it isn't close to what you claim. At the moment, the most favored candidate for that (dubious) distinction is the PRC (actually, you could probably refine this to the PLA, since it isn't entirely clear who is calling the shots).

Who's military has killed and continued to kill more people in the past 10-20 years around the world? USA! USA! USA!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Ten-Four

, globalwatcher

<>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2205870/Genocide-An-utter-lack-remorse-terrifying-new-war-Japan-China.html<>

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

OssanAmericaDec. 19, 2013 - 10:49AM JST

http://thediplomat.com/2013/12/chinas-contradictory-foreign-policy/

Ten-Four, Ossan.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

sangetsu03,

In America you can scream and rant and rave about the evils of America in front of the steps of the Capitol building. Do the same in Beijing and see what happens.

Blow open some of the US atrocities like Manning, Snowden, etc., and see what happens.

Mention anything on any internet site about 9/11 being orchestrated by the US and the comment is CUT or blanketed as a "conspiracy theory."

You think there is free speech in the U.S.A?

Think again, my friend.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Steve Fabricant:

I think if the Japanese people felt militarily secure they would be less likely to fall under the spell of a(nother) right-wing extremist. I think youll find that its already happened. Shinzo Abe fits that bill nicely

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Global warmongers and neo-colonialists...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

globalwatcherDec. 19, 2013 - 10:01AM JST 'Excellent prospects' for better military relations with US, says China http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/18/us-china-military-relations Did you read this, Ossan, BTW? This is a joke or what?

LOL. Clearly China does not want to make a big issue of the Cowpens incident. But typically, they go overboard with the hype. Regarding China's two-faced diplomacy this article is by a Taiwan born author. I don't necessarily agree with it 100% but still it is good reading.

http://thediplomat.com/2013/12/chinas-contradictory-foreign-policy/

1 ( +2 / -1 )

'Excellent prospects' for better military relations with US, says China

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/18/us-china-military-relations

Did you read this, Ossan, BTW? This is a joke or what?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

America will back whoever fights their proxy battles and wars. Nothing new here. They first scare monger and then sell their weaponry to their willingly manipulated dummy who in turn put their country in danger on account of being instigated to fight its wars.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

OssanAmericaDec. 19, 2013 - 08:14AM JST

How about: 3) China deliberately says one thing while doing another. Is "misleading your enemy" in Sun Tsu's book?

Ossan, you've got a bingo~~! Hope Washington is reading this. Wow......

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

globalwatcherDec. 19, 2013 - 06:03AM JST A big agreement on this with you, Ossan. China is a bipolar. China has been sending conflicting messages to the world. POSSIBLE REASONS 1)We have been dealing with two different power structures in China. They are CCP and PLA. I do not know which >one is actually in charge of power. 2)China may be sending two different conflicting messages for a good reason. They do not want to be understood?

How about: 3) China deliberately says one thing while doing another. Is "misleading your enemy" in Sun Tsu's book?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No, not millions, but admittedly likely hundreds of thousands.

And people here accuse Japan of whitewashing history. OK I'm signing off this one.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

A big agreement on this with you, Ossan. China is a bipolar.

China has been sending conflicting messages to the world.

POSSIBLE REASONS

1)We have been dealing with two different power structures in China. They are CCP and PLA. I do not know which one is actually in charge of power.

2)China may be sending two different conflicting messages for a good reason. They do not want to be understood?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Not right now, for the last 50 years at least.

Even that is clearly debatable.

They have killed millions of innocent people in countries that were no threat to them.

No, not millions, but admittedly likely hundreds of thousands. For millions in the last 50 years or so you really do need to go to the PRC (true their own people, but how would that make it 'better'??), where even the government admits at least 40 million were killed

At the moment, the most favored candidate for that (dubious) distinction is the PRC Based on what?

No matter what you think most of the world sees the US as the biggest threat to world peace not China. Go anywhere outside the US and canvas people's opinion.

Actually if you look at the research results, it would seem you are just wrong on this. No where near 'most'.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Steve Fabricant “…and I think if the Japanese people felt militarily secure they would be less likely to fall under the spell of a(nother) right-wing extremist. As the JSDF builds up it might also encourage the US to vacate the bases in Okinawa and elsewhere.”

What you stated make lots of sense, at least to me. :)

In addition, I believe that the US has a growing desire to encourage Japan to have stronger defense on two folds.: First, Japan is one of the important strategic allies of the US in Asia. As China regime pushes more assertive and aggressive foreign policy as well as its military buildup in Pacific rim, a stronger Japanese military fits the bill for the US’s Pivot in Asia. Secondly selling weaponry to allies would not only welcomed by Pentagon and American defense complex also Obama’s admin since the US may, at some point of time in the future, withdraw its troop in Far East if (big if) Chinese regime’s missile striking capacity reaches a dangerous level that American troops’ safety becomes an issue in the region in case the localized armed conflicts between Japan and China escalates out of the control. (Hawkish Abe spoken in Kansai TV yesterday, asking China to set up Emergency contact system with Japan to avoid accidental clash since Chinese air defense identification zone declaration covers Senkaku Islands, obviously he is worried as a war broken, his economic policy may be out of the window. ) That being said, the US has no desire to be dragged into a war at any time soon even though the US does not want to see that the Chinese regime’s starts eroding American’s influence in Asia in some degrees.

Therefore, one of the best and safest approach for the US is encouraging Asian countries to arm themselves. However, if anyone studied Kerry’s full statements carefully, one would notice that he did not change existing American Asia policy. In fact, Kerry tried to stay on the delicate line in terms of American stance on China while making supportive statements on the American’s allies as he always does.

Given the current American domestic situations, Unite states will not abandon its best national interests for any country not even Israel or Japan if history can offers some guidance.

A couple of days ago Laurent Fabius, the French foreign minister, said: “Today we live in a zero-polar, or a-polar, world. No one power or group of powers can solve all the problems.”

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

OssanAmericaDec. 18, 2013 - 11:00PM JST

China is like someone who smiles as they slowly poison you.

"Relations between the Chinese and US militaries enjoy excellent prospects for development and both sides are willing to boost communication, co-ordinate closely and work to maintain regional peace and stability," - Chinese Defense Ministry

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/18/us-china-military-relations

Same day:

". A classified Pentagon advisory-board report this year, for instance, asserted that Chinese hackers had gained access to plans for two dozen U.S. weapons systems, according to the Washington Post."

http://www.businessinsider.com/china-military-tech-2013-12#ixzz2npoOFSGI

A big agreement on this with you, Ossan. China is a bipolar.

Or A Chinese doctor is giving a patient a life sustaining medical equipment while providing a heart failing medicine. The world including Japan cannot deal with China in good faith. Many human rights are not included in this study. FYI

2 ( +3 / -1 )

China is like someone who smiles as they slowly poison you.

"Relations between the Chinese and US militaries enjoy excellent prospects for development and both sides are willing to boost communication, co-ordinate closely and work to maintain regional peace and stability," - Chinese Defense Ministry

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/18/us-china-military-relations

Same day:

". A classified Pentagon advisory-board report this year, for instance, asserted that Chinese hackers had gained access to plans for two dozen U.S. weapons systems, according to the Washington Post."

http://www.businessinsider.com/china-military-tech-2013-12#ixzz2npoOFSGI

1 ( +3 / -2 )

aussie-musashiDec. 18, 2013 - 02:19PM JST More like the United States has been demanding it for several decades, and Japan has been resisting. Then along >comes Abe and abracadabra!

Abe could not do what he is doing without China acting like a belligerent warmonger threatening all of Asia. There would no need for the US pivot to Asia if China behaved like a civilized country. Cause and effect. Try not to get that backwards.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

History is littered with dead countries that underestimated their opponents. Upstarts like Napoleon, Hitler, Ho Chi Minh were not exceptions, and don't let's forget that ragtag band of revolutionaries under General George Washington. Much as I hate the idea of rearmament, it does not mean a war is inevitable, and I think if the Japanese people felt militarily secure they would be less likely to fall under the spell of a(nother) right-wing extremist. As the JSDF builds up it might also encourage the US to vacate the bases in Okinawa and elsewhere.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Pochan. Well said. China is certainly not the big ogre everyone makes them out to be

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Update this and you got it:

And it's one, two, three, What are we fighting for ? Don't ask me, I don't give a damn, Next stop is Vietnam; And it's five, six, seven, Open up the pearly gates, Well there ain't no time to wonder why Whoopee! we're all gonna die.

Huh!

Well, come on Wall Street, don't move slow, Why man, this is war au-go-go. There's plenty good money to be made By supplying the Army with the tools of the trade, Just hope and pray that if they drop the bomb, They drop it on the Viet Cong

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Japan has no choice: Japan doesn't want to be bullied by China no more.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Oh dear you really do believe that China is a bigger threat to world peace than the USA.

Tell me, which country would you rather live in?

Had you been living in China and wrote a post like the one you just did, but said something negaitive about China, what might happen to you? There are plenty of negative comments written about Japan here on this site, but we don't have to worry about the Japanese police coming to arrest us in the night and "reeducating" us for committing what they consider a crime against the state.

In America you can scream and rant and rave about the evils of America in front of the steps of the Capitol building. Do the same in Beijing and see what happens.

No one else in Asia wants China's style of politics in their country. Why do you think so many countries are involved in TPP, while shunning China's "free" trade agreement? You could arguably say that China is less a threat to peace, but you cannot argue that China is not a bigger threat to freedom. I would rather have freedom than peace.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

This is really funny. Well, the comment was just absurd. I agree he has just lost a big credibility about his posts.

Oh dear you really do believe that China is a bigger threat to world peace than the USA. Answer the question then- how many wars has China started in foreign countries in the last half century (the border skirmishes don't count) and how may has the US? How many military bases has China in foreign countries and how many has the US? You can believe what you like but the rest of the world sees the US as the threat to world peace, not China. Wake up.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

What expansion are you talking about?

The 5% increase in military spending announced this week, which is certain to be increased in the near future. Abe has a good argument to raise defense spending to 2% of GDP, wait and see.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

More like the United States has been demanding it for several decades, and Japan has been resisting. Then along comes Abe and abracadabra!

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

jsa-aerialDec. 18, 2013 - 10:46AM JST

The biggest threat to world peace right now is the U.S.A.

?!? To quote good ol' John Boehner (who appears to have finally come to his senses), 'Are you kidding me?!'

Really, you just lost any credibility on this. The US may not exactly be a beacon of benign behavior, but it isn't close to what you claim. At the moment, the most favored candidate for that (dubious) distinction is the PRC (actually, you could probably refine this to the PLA, since it isn't entirely clear who is calling the shots).

You gave me a belly laugh on John Boo-ner saying "Are you kidding me?! This is really funny. Well, the comment was just absurd. I agree he has just lost a big credibility about his posts.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

The "human extermination business" is one of the oldest in the world. Very profitable, and helps countries maintain control over their respective populations. Definitely a good thing for the ruling elite.

All one country has to do is find another with the same population problem. Then stoke the populations fragile little primitive emotions with fear and doom, evoke nationalism, praise dying for their country, etc etc, and incite them all to want to fight.

War occurs. Population problem solved, and wealth created.

Rinse, wash, and repeat.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The biggest threat to world peace right now is the U.S.A.

Not right now, for the last 50 years at least. They have killed millions of innocent people in countries that were no threat to them. Thousands of miles from their land.

At the moment, the most favored candidate for that (dubious) distinction is the PRC

Based on what? American propaganda and a dubious media. The USA massacred millions in Vietnam alone. No matter what you think most of the world sees the US as the biggest threat to world peace not China. Go anywhere outside the US and canvas people's opinion.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The US has been hounding Japan for decades to beef up its military, to expand its roles/use internationally. But Japan has pretty much refrained for those decades due to domestic opposition & its neighbours would NOT be thrilled by Japan doing this or changing its constitution.........

Fast forward to present & China has single handedly done what the US could not & that's change Japans stance in all this, now Japan is going to beef its military, perhaps change its constitution, the people will likely more or less go along with it because of the way China is acting & Japans other neighbours are likely to be less concerned about these changes again due to CHINA!

So I am sure right now Abe is saying thank you to China in his head all the time!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Of course, more money for the US Military Industrial Complex ($250 Billion) and why would Kerry bother to read the Japanese constitution?

6 ( +5 / -0 )

Have any of you been to the U.N. building before? One thing you will notice in the front is a BIIIIG gun, with the barrel tide into a not. Our motives should be to end war. To bring peace among others. To make friends and a welcoming atmosphere for all. So its ok for japan to build its military, but we complain about N. Korea and other countries building nuclear arms. Countries who feel bullied and are isolated from other countries. That is no way to treat anybody or a country. I am going to be honest, i am an American living in Japan, but i do not feel one bit accepted by these people. I am not white. But then again, I am not your typical black. Maybe the dark times are going to repeat themselves again. Maybe this is just inevitable and stupidity has to occur again. We just never get it.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

@paulinusa,

Yep! and thats why China doesnt care about what they say or they do care but are just playing tough. You cant tell me that Japan, the US and other "Friend" nations can build up their militaries and China cant. It`s just hypocrisy. Whatever the motive is, nothing seems definate.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The biggest threat to world peace right now is the U.S.A.

?!? To quote good ol' John Boehner (who appears to have finally come to his senses), 'Are you kidding me?!' Really, you just lost any credibility on this. The US may not exactly be a beacon of benign behavior, but it isn't close to what you claim. At the moment, the most favored candidate for that (dubious) distinction is the PRC (actually, you could probably refine this to the PLA, since it isn't entirely clear who is calling the shots).

1 ( +3 / -2 )

There are more results of increased armament than purely war. Japan needs greater militaristic independence, not due to war-like ideals but in terms of positive international relations. Remember a few years ago when there were so many problems with pirates off the coast of Somalia? Many of the major world powers (the U.S. being one) rushed to the scene and sent their military to act as bodyguards for commercial ships of weaker countries. This gave the stronger countries not only a positive reputation, but also an upper hand in future international dealings. Japan should have been among them, but due to the military limitations as outlined in the constitution, and also due to the painfully archaic and ridiculous bureaucracy that hampers the Japanese government, the issue couldn't get through the proper channels fast enough to approve the Japan Self-Defense Force to go help. Thus, Japan lost a valuable opportunity to make gains in their international dealings.

AKBfan: Of course they support it as Japan will buy lots of US stuff

Therefore, I agree that a buildup of the military benefits Japan. However, I also agree with AKBfan on the above point - the U.S.'s encouragement (approval? instigation?) is mostly to benefit its own military industrial complex, which is one of the major reasons for most of its militaristic dealings.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

China, which has simmering territorial disputes with Japan and which still has stark memories of Japan’s brutal rampage in the last century, quickly criticised Tokyo’s plans and said Asian countries, many of which suffered under Japanese occupation during World War II, should closely watch Japan’s moves.

This is getting boring. China, the new pariah and instigator of the East Asian Cold War. Congratulations in threatening regional stability and hampering world peace.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

@Cortes Elijah

Of course! More money for the U.S.A Government!

The money is for the major military industry corporations and the super-rich who invest in them. This military build-up is all about class warfare and not to deter the other kind.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I told you so from day 1, the territorial row between China and Japan was orchestrated by the USA, she has her agenda in pacific, at end of day, US military establishments the biggest gainer of the day ! China & Japan should sit down and nego

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

@timtak

I have a feeling that humandkind is going in cycles. No matter the amount of atrocities, there will always be warmongering nuts. Just wait a generation or two after a major war, and they'll be there. Never fails. So the maximum amount of time we humans can live in relative peace seems to be 2-3 generations at most. Humans have such short memory.. and hardly any read their history beyond what their official school curriculum demands.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

The horror. The horror. They need to make more war movies that show the horror, people seem to have forgotten just how horrible war is. Or perhaps they think that military build up will promote peace?

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@pointofview: You miss the point. Agree or not with the Japan/US alliance these statements give notice to China that the US will backstop Japan. It's also for Japanese ears.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Kerry is a clown. Of course they support it as Japan will buy lots of US stuff and save the US the need of deploying more troops in Asia.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Japan and the US are as thick as thieves so of course theyll both make supporting statements about each others military postion. This back and forth nonsense is silly. Japan says and does this and its ok from a US standpoint. China says and does that and its not ok from a US standpoint. A little obvious isnt it.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

"The amount of expansion thusfar is small, but it will get bigger."

Believe me, a few tiny islands that look like pinpoints on a world map aren't causing any global concerns about Japanese expansionism.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I hope the day comes when we can all become 'Yoki Rinjin' with our neighbors.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The US doesn't "back Japan's military buildup," they instigated it.

The biggest threat to world peace right now is the U.S.A.

-1 ( +16 / -17 )

Of course! More money for the U.S.A Government!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

who are they trying to convince other than their brainwashed masses who are fed with their anti-Japan education

That's pretty much exactly who they are trying to convince. The CCP may not be exactly 'likable', but they aren't idiots and must realize that most (all?) of the rest of the world isn't buying the nonsense they are tossing out. So, it is definitely all about internal consumption. They have several domestic 'bombs' waiting to go off - some of which have the fuse already lit. What do authoritarian (actually most any) governments do in cases like that? Bring on the tried and true external bogey man threat, pump up nationalism (and racism if you can pull that off) and distract everyone from their real problems. Always eventually ends in tears for them, and unfortunately, often many others as well.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

sangetsu03Dec. 18, 2013 - 08:08AM JST Of course Kerry support it, Japan is going to buy a lot of American military hardware to aid their expansion. The >amount of expansion thusfar is small, but it will get bigger.

What expansion are you talking about?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Yes, this from a country that arms it's citizens, armed Saddam Hussein, the Taliban, and countless other nasties. More arms = more problems.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

I think China should stop representing themselves as a voice of "Asian nations". I mean, who are they trying to convince other than their brainwashed masses who are fed with their anti-Japan education and "evil IJA" TV drama 24 hours a day, 365 days in a year?

7 ( +16 / -9 )

Of course Kerry support it, Japan is going to buy a lot of American military hardware to aid their expansion. The amount of expansion thusfar is small, but it will get bigger.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

"saying it had been planned with the United States beforehand"

Told you so. So much for the C-supporters claiming that the US was "concerned" about Japan remilitarizing.

"China, ...quickly criticised Tokyo’s plans and said Asian countries, many of which suffered under Japanese occupation during World War II, should closely watch Japan’s moves."

Except those countries are welcoming Japan remilitarizing as a US ally and assisting in acting as a counter balance to Chinese military dominance. The country that Asian nations are closely watching is China and their incessant WWII whining has lost all effect.

13 ( +18 / -5 )

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