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NATO to open Japan office: report

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80 Comments

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NATO is useful as use bandage full with pus,

-18 ( +21 / -39 )

Silly move by Japan! They should plot their own path not continue to be the lapdog of the US!

-4 ( +30 / -34 )

Locate it in Osaka. It's the place to be.

0 ( +10 / -10 )

This is all due to China’s irrational behavior.

5 ( +27 / -22 )

Good for Japan- and her fellow NATO allies in the region such as Australia, NZ and SK. They will all be at the next NATO summit.

All of this would not have been needed to such an extent - nor more European nations joining NATO - if fascist Russia had not illegally invaded sovereign Ukraine.

Fascist Russia has led to the strengthening of NATO, increased its numbers, and doubled its border with NATO members. Great job by the shaky midget in the Kremlin!

2 ( +23 / -21 )

Lets face it, Japan alone can't influence nor deter China or Russia actions even worse if the two plot together.

7 ( +19 / -12 )

You’re not welcome here NATO says the gaijin me in Japan I think it’s best to put that office in Korea or Singapore

-12 ( +12 / -24 )

Silly move by Japan! They should plot their own path not continue to be the lapdog of the US!

i know right Japan will always be a lapdog. This tiny island is no match against China and Russia when WW3 kicks off full blown

-12 ( +10 / -22 )

You’re not welcome here NATO says the gaijin me in Japan I think it’s best to put that office in Korea or Singapore

Fortunately your opinion is irrelevant to any lawmakers.

6 ( +23 / -17 )

We need your money, but since you're not a member, Article 5 doesn't apply so we're not obligated to come to your defense.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

This tiny island is no match against China and Russia when WW3 kicks off full blown

That is the whole point of defensive alliances - so that larger nations cannot easily swallow up smaller ones.

11 ( +20 / -9 )

Very tragic news if it were to happen, Japan is falling into the NATO imperialist trap that wants to invade the rest of the world to impose its ideology and create again a new cold war for its own geopolitical convenience..

The west in its decadence and dying kicks against an imminent new world multipolar order is dragging the entire world into a third world war..

-3 ( +17 / -20 )

That is the whole point of defensive alliances - so that larger nations cannot easily swallow up smaller ones.

NATO is an offensive alliance, controlled by the US.

We are getting closer to turning Japan into the next Ukraine.

-10 ( +13 / -23 )

Going to have to come up with a new name: maybe the Antifascist Brigade.

5 ( +13 / -8 )

The west in its decadence and dying kicks against an imminent new world multipolar order is dragging the entire world into a third world war..

Current US invasions: 0.

-1 ( +11 / -12 )

Has the North Atlantic been moved?

NATO needs to be renamed.... How about U.S.V.A United States Vassal Alliance?

-6 ( +14 / -20 )

This tiny island is no match against China and Russia when WW3 kicks off full blown

That should never have been the case as Japan has half the population of the US and still a larger gdp per capita than some Central European countries.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

NATO needs to be renamed.... How about U.S.V.A United States Vassal Alliance?

A popular line from the fascist country supporters: how come no one leaves the alliance despite the doors being wide open?

7 ( +16 / -9 )

NATO is useful as use bandage full with pus,

That's a used bandage that kept Russia out of every country that has joined it. Must be pretty useful.

6 ( +15 / -9 )

Be friendly but stand on your own two feet Japan

7 ( +11 / -4 )

The USA say's jump, Japan say's, how high. For how long will this country remain a lapdog?

-10 ( +10 / -20 )

Seems to be a bunch of posturing and thrashing for and against this. I see this from a lense of history and think that we are getting closer to an edge no one in their right mind wants to approach.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

As things stand, we can't be of any use to NATO because we are not allowed to attack other counties (under the current law).

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

NATO has similar liaison offices in New York, Vienna, *Ukraine** *and other places, it said.

And having a Nato Office really helped Ukraine.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

Lets face it, Japan alone can't influence nor deter China or Russia actions even worse if the two plot together

And Europe cant take on Russia. Just look at the state of the Military in Europe. what a joke.

-9 ( +5 / -14 )

YrralToday  06:32 am JST

NATO is useful as use bandage full with pus,

No, that describes your comments. NATO's existence has kept the peace in Europe for 74 years.

3 ( +13 / -10 )

AWA,you forgotten that two bombs were dropped on Imperial Japan,and they were brought to their knees and senses,we American do not brag about our government power,only insecure one does like you

-6 ( +6 / -12 )

You mean PATO, right?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

NATO is a WAR organization ( NORTH ATLANTIC !!! My foot ! It’s 1000s of kms away from home !! And was formed as a bulwark against USSR, but USSR died in 1991, why hasn’t NATO scaled down but spreading EAST towards Russia ? Russia by all accounts is a European and Christian nation .. and in fact NATO IS already doing it all in Ukraine- finance, arm and personell . No !! NATO is not a peaceful organization, otherwise it should have disbanded after the Warsaw group did in 1990s.

-1 ( +10 / -11 )

I'm trying to imagine what a typical work day would look like but can't come up with much. Sounds like a cushy job in what I'm sure will be a nice office in an upscale district of Tokyo paid for by citizens of all NATO countries, Americans most of all.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

From the preamble of the treaty. Classic mission creep.

The Parties to this Treaty reaffirm their faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments.

*They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.*

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

I really find disturbing some posters here bashing NATO due to the US “imperialism”

Then why don’t you all join the Russia-China-Iran-North Korean axis right?

So much freedom and “democracy” in these peaceful countries and you’re all free from the american-european “imperialism”.

Honestly I prefer to live under these so called “imperialists” where at least I can raise my voice and contest them than in one of these “paradises” like Russia or China where it you try to criticize their governments you either end up in a boot camp or even under ground.

3 ( +14 / -11 )

SanjinosebleedToday 06:35 am JST

Silly move by Japan! They should plot their own path not continue to be the lapdog of the US!

Easy to say but hard to do. If your next-door neighbors are keen on destroying you, the more friends, allies, strategies, arms, etc, you have the better off you are in the long run. China, Russia and North Korea are all nuclear-armed countries, all Communist and haven't exactly been high-fiving friends of Japan. You can try to plot your own path but sometimes the path is plotted for you.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

while I have always supported NATO and its role is to defend Europe collectively. If Japan, Vietnam, Korea, India, the Philippines, and Australia et al are worried about a rising China, then why haven't they gotten together to create a Pacific collective defence treaty, along with the USA/Canada, which are also Pacific nations? They could create their own alliance and WORK WITH NATO. but I am not sure, if Belgium, Norway, Spain Luxembourg, Turkey, or, Greece would like to increase NATO's remit. But as they work closely together, they are also signalling that TAIWAN will be outside these institutions. And that it'll be left up to the USA to kinda support Taiwan, and that might be degraded as semi-conductor production is relocated to the USA. Because then, Taiwan could be let go.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

NATO in effect has become the UN but with teeth.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

In search of new sources of funding.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

“....then why don’t you all join the-China-Iran-North Korean axis right? “

This EXACTLY is our prerogative . Our onus to choose who we want or not want to associate with..... so much for “ freedom “ and “ democracy “.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

NATO's existence has kept the peace in Europe for 74 years.

This was true up to the fall of the Soviet Union. Since then NATO has sought out conflict to justify it's existence. Had Russia been allowed to join NATO in the 1990s, so many conflicts could have been avoided, and so many weapons systems would not have needed to be sold.

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

TobleroneToday  11:22 am JST

US/NATO created the circumstances where Russia had to move to defend itself against relentless US/NATO expansion. Its as simple as that.

Is that so? Then I think that you and I live in a parallel world because in this dimension the Russian Federation started a bloody invasion against a peaceful country like Ukraine, stealing it’s territories and killing and murdering thousands of Ukrainian civilians and children!

Your comment is totally rubbish,oh and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a pig,bloody dictator and a mass murderer.

2 ( +10 / -8 )

@ Ampass - precisely !

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Good News. Russia and China want to build their agressive war mongering ways. We should be surrounding them with like minded peace driven countries. Another Ukraine cannot happen. Taiwan must not be allowed to fall. I welcome Nato here and perhaps it's time to ignore the NA and admit anyone that wishes for peace and to protect each other from Chinese, Russian or North Korean aggression.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Silly move by Japan! They should plot their own path not continue to be the lapdog of the US!

yeah, best of luck with that one

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

NATO is not a peaceful organization, otherwise it should have disbanded after the Warsaw group did in 1990s.

You would like it if NATO had taken the bait but where would be with even more countries subject to Special Operations?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

NATO having an office in Japan is due to the need to keep closer tabs on China and its hostile activities in this region, which European nations trade is dependent on.

It has become time for NATO to morph into a global entity from its regional form. This situation is driven by actions of China, North Korea, Russia and even Iran who are hostile to the status quo and are willing to use military force to change it, rather than institute popular and peaceful means to effect change.

If you are unhappy with US control you will be even worse off, with less ability to criticize and less means to oppose Chinese, Russian North Korean or Iranian control which will make US control look passive and almost non existent. The removal of free will and basic rights will become the order of the day but oh so many here seem eager to experience this restrictive future where you work for your leader for life so they get everything they want and you struggle for life and your families future is determined by the state.

NATO is defensive and China, Russia et el are offensive.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

This EXACTLY is our prerogative . Our onus to choose who we want or not want to associate with..... so much for “ freedom “ and “ democracy “.

If you associate with fascists and human rights violators, it's going to say something about you.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

They are determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and civilisation of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law. They seek to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area.

Of all the things to get bent out of shape over... No one is saying they won't come up with a new acronym or treaty if they want to add Japan.

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Both NATO and Japan are absolutely hopeless, so maybe they can muster something positive between themselves.

Failing that, get the office listed as by UNESCO as the first in Asia. Sugoiiiiiiiiiii desune

-8 ( +5 / -13 )

No one is saying they won't come up with a new acronym or treaty if they want to add Japan.

This is insanity.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

US is playing its usual blundering duplitious game, this time with Ukraine. As always events will be influenced in ways the US never imagined and the effects will be very unfortunate. But thats what the USA consistently does. We can expect disaster.

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

Welcome, NATO, welcome…; you can do whatever you want in Japan.

:)

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

I detect an imminent major strengthening of the military apparatus in the Kuril Islands.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

US is playing its usual blundering duplitious game, this time with Ukraine.

I wouldn't call it a blunder.

It's a brilliant play.

It is weakening Russia a great deal only at the cost of Ukrainian lives.

No NATO lives are lost.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction - be careful what you wish for - this could be the green light for China to open the floodgates on aid to Russia. They might also be invited to open an "office" in the Kurile Islands.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

You would like it if NATO had taken the bait but where would be with even more countries subject to Special Operations?

Russia was so degraded until recently, so no baiting was possible. It’s the nature of Big power politics that you, my small neigbor don’t invite my nemesis to our doorstep. This was so in 1962 Cuban missile crisis, it can’t be acceptable by Russia with Ukraine ... and am sorry to tell you “ Taiwan is not China” that it’s and will be unacceptable for China too, unless Taiwan wants a Chinese “ Special ops”.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

You can tell when a Sino-Russian propagandist or bot is at work when you see the words "vassal" and "lapdog" being thrown about like a childish mantra.

NATO is not imperialist. It does not expand by invading other countries. It expands only when a country itself applies for membership and it is accepted by all members unanimously, and ratified in each member nation.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

The only one that constantly gets bent out of shape is you. NATO defends the North Atlantic region per the treaty language itself. Japan's constitution bans Japan from engaging in war. What exactly can Japan provide to NATO in an emergency in Europe or North America? Perhaps some rice balls and cartons of Mild Seven cigarettes for the troops.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

I wouldn't call it a blunder.

It's a brilliant play.

It is weakening Russia a great deal only at the cost of Ukrainian lives. 

No NATO lives are lost.

Future events and developments will show the fallacy in such simplistic thinking.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

NATO is imperialist. It has expanded by attacking and invading Serbia and stripping away its territory. Far from being a "defensive alliance", it has also attacked Libya, Syria, Afghanistan amongst others.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

NATO is useful as use bandage full with pus,

ok great then you wont care when Finland Sweden and Ukraine join

4 ( +8 / -4 )

I wouldn't call it a blunder.

It's a brilliant play.

It is weakening Russia a great deal only at the cost of Ukrainian lives. 

No NATO lives are lost.

Future events and developments will show the fallacy in such simplistic thinking.

Ah you know what will happen in the future, that's useful.

Still a brilliant play though whatever the final outcome.

Imagine killing a lot of enemies without a life lost on your side.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Sorry, but Japan don't want to be dragged into a war with Russia, which is the sole scheme of NATO. in the case of China, didn't French president just bend over to Xi?

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

..What exactly can Japan provide to NATO in an emergency in Europe or North America? Perhaps some rice balls and cartons of Mild Seven cigarettes for the troops.

This is my takeaway today, lol.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

ok great then you wont care when Finland Sweden and Ukraine join

Finland has already joined and Now it’s brimming with all sorts of Russiam military hardware and personell on its VERY long Karelian border with Russia. 1917 part 2.0.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

..What exactly can Japan provide to NATO in an emergency in Europe or North America? Perhaps some rice balls and cartons of Mild Seven cigarettes for the troops.

> This is my takeaway today, lol.

Well they're not really enlisting Japan to help in Europe or north America lol.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Many global leaders question NATO, like President XI of China, who claimed it was not in keeping with NATO's defensive mandate to encroach upon Russia in Ukraine.

NATO led by US has LONG history of war, across Africa, Europe, and Asia, including proxy wars. NATO's looking to expand its role and influence globally no doubt.

Question's will NATO better safeguard Japan's security?

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

As NATO's Democratic 'Force', surely does not approve of suppression of free speech or leaked CIA intel that raises serious questions about corruption for example.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Sorry, but Japan don't want to be dragged into a war with Russia, which is sole scheme of NATO. in case of China, didn't French president just bend over to Xi?

Good point, MOST of Europe if one believes polls also against US led NATO Proxy War in Ukraine, usually about 2:1 on average, but more to West, less to the East.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

NATO couldn't help her own!

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

US is playing its usual blundering duplitious game, this time with Ukraine. As always events will be influenced in ways the US never imagined and the effects will be very unfortunate. But thats what the USA consistently does. We can expect disaster.

Well let's see: Finland firmly in NATO. Europe permanently out of the Russian energy game. No restrictions on weapons going into Ukraine. Russia missing a generation. Was that all part of the Chess Grandmaster from Moscow's plan? Sounds like more than just the US can roll the dice and cause problems.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Good point, MOST of Europe if one believes polls also against US led NATO Proxy War in Ukraine, usually about 2:1 on average, but more to West, less to the East.

I believe some sources are in order.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Maybe it’s a pedestrian simplistic view. It’s the US led NATO that is moving east towards Russia despite the US’ promises not to move one inch east of Germany. The formenting of the Orange revolution in Kyiev and resultant Maidan by the US ( rememberthe telephone conversation?) The war and genocide of the Russian speaking peoples of Eastern Ukraine, the neglect of the 2 Minsk agreements of which Angela Merkel herself admitted were just ploys to buy time so Ukraine could arm , re-staff and get proper training , but the worst sin is the attempt to join NATO... which Putin had severally warned that He will take action. He did.

Guys, with both sides having Nukes, and when push comes to shove, there will be no winners, it will be instantenious lights out , not just in Russia or the US, but for the world as we know it. The gravity of it all.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Finland has already joined and Now it’s brimming with all sorts of Russiam military hardware and personell on its VERY long Karelian border with Russia. 1917 part 2.0.

What hardware? Old artillery with damaged tubes and no shells? What personelle? The soldiers too incompetent to be meat grindered in Ukraine?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

It’s the US led NATO that is moving east towards  Russia despite the US’ promises not to move one inch east of Germany.

Is that in writing? No it is not. Is Ukraine in that sentence? No it is not.

The formenting of the Orange revolution in Kyiev and resultant Maidan by the US ( rememberthe telephone conversation?)

The irrelevant telephone conversation you mean? If the revolution is illegitimate, Russia had a responsibility to not be a deceitful country and pretend like it was for 8 years.

The war and genocide of the Russian speaking peoples of Eastern Ukraine

When you have no reporters, its easy to generate all kinds of cool stories.

the neglect of the 2 Minsk agreements

Of which Russia is not a party.

is the attempt to join NATO... which Putin had severally warned that He will take action. He did.

You have trouble with the facts. On no planet was Ukraine about to join NATO.

The gravity of it all.

Gravity indeed, like having your country's land stolen until the sun explodes or appeasing a mad man.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

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