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Abe says N Korean missile tests are 'imminent threat'

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By Kazuhiro Nogi

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Imminent threat.

... so let’s just sit back and wait for the next one shall we?

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Fearmongering on the national level, never a good thing!

4 ( +11 / -7 )

I say they are not.

Who has the truth: A militaristic revisionist or one Russian boi?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

This is a frontal challenge against the international community that must not be tolerated," added the resolution.

"In order to press North Korea into changing its policies, we shall take a resolute attitude in our diplomacy," he told the upper house.

> Dialogue for the sake of dialogue is meaningless," Abe said.

Which is exactly what the above comments are.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Abe is awesome.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

This is the strongest (and most flawed) push for war I've seen since the illegal one in Iraq.

And this time round, the casualties will be much, much higher.

"Dialogue for the sake of dialogue is meaningless," Abe said.

Clearly, the first casualty is the truth.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

I read this interesting article last night, which is quite relevant to what Abe is saying.

Is it hype? Who knows. The gist is that Lindsey Graham, a Senator and member of the Armed Service Committee, also an ex Air Force officer wants the U.S. to stop sending dependents to South Korea to accompany service members.

I am not necessarily a fan of Mr. Graham, however his words do have some meaning and they are quite concerning. I think everyone should read the article and make their own judgments. From the article (link below)

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/887671/North-korea-nuclear-weapon-kim-jong-un-donald-trump-urged-evacuate-military-bases-ww3

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Aly Ruston

"Which is exactly what the above comments are."

...and your solution is?

If you want to challenge other folk then at least have a contribution.

Yep...just like Abe I guess.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

@maybeperhapsyes; the solution is toback away from threats and firey rhetoric which achieves nothing but establishing a footing for war.

The solution is dialogue. Anything else is abandoning responsibility and logic. What's your solution?

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Why is there this Dr. Evil timeline build up that seems to have started many years ago, this golden moment when North Korea will finally get capability to attack the US with a huge nuclear missile. Isn’t technology like that easier to acquire, like now? Seems like one big Austin powers narrative.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

He must be expecting another scandal to ramp up the rhetoric like this again.

Wonder what he got into this time.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Toasted HereticToday 08:28 am JST@maybeperhapsyes; the solution is toback away from threats and firey rhetoric which achieves nothing but establishing a footing for war.

The solution is dialogue. Anything else is abandoning responsibility and logic. What's your solution?

North Korea continues to refuse to discuss their nuclear and missile advancement. So what "dialogue" do you propose? What do you expect us to offer? And what can we expect to get in return?

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

North Korea continues to refuse to discuss their nuclear and missile advancement. So what "dialogue" do you propose? What do you expect us to offer? And what can we expect to get in return?

That's the point of dialogue. These are issues you discuss. Compromises you make.

Who is "we", btw? Are you speaking for Japan or the US?

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Who is "we", btw? Are you speaking for Japan or the US?

Or the Japan Whaling Association, or Nippon Kaigi, or Happy Science, or the Global Alliance For Historical Truth? Could be any of those really....

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Toasted HereticToday 08:28 am JST

The solution is dialogue. Anything else is abandoning responsibility and logic. What's your solution?

The missile tests and nuclear tests are orchestrated for the purpose of intimidating Japan and the U.S.  to appease to NK demands.  The missile tests will continue until appeasement.

So your solution is dialogue leading to appeasement to NK's demands, i.e, agreement to accept peace treaty under DPRK terms that mandates U.S. military withdrawal from the Peninsula, surrender SK to be absorbed in a unified Korea under DPRK regime and recognition of DPRK as the official government of unified Korea. 

No doubt, you support such a solution. 

Unless you want the NK threats to continue, the alternative solution is to remove Kim (through surgical strike attack or covert assassination), worldwide support of NK people to rebel against the DPRK regime and replace with a more democratic and humane government.  That is, if Russia and China allows it.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

I hope for the downfall of Kim Jong Un, only so that I don't have to hear the whining and fearmongering of Abe and Suga. Abe seems to think he's more important on the world stage than he really is.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

So your solution is dialogue leading to appeasement to NK's demands, i.e, agreement to accept peace treaty under DPRK terms that mandates U.S. military withdrawal from the Peninsula, surrender SK to be absorbed in a unified Korea under DPRK regime and recognition of DPRK as the official government of unified Korea.

I see that powers of negotiation are not your area of expertise. You are good at putting words into mouths, though.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Unless you want the NK threats to continue, the alternative solution is to remove Kim (through surgical strike attack or covert assassination), worldwide support of NK people to rebel against the DPRK regime and replace with a more democratic and humane government. That is, if Russia and China allows it.

Talk about jumping the shark.

The DPRK has every right to exist, just as that other rogue nation, the US.

Both are threatening world peace. Both must be brought to the negotiating table.

And both their peoples must be allowed freedom from those who would see conflict. It's down to the people to perform their own surgery. It's not down to online medics.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Toasted HereticToday 08:55 am JSTNorth Korea continues to refuse to discuss their nuclear and missile advancement. So what "dialogue" do you propose? What do you expect us to offer? And what can we expect to get in return?

That's the point of dialogue. These are issues you discuss. Compromises you make.

Compromises about what? North Korea has and continues to state that their nuclear and missile program is NOT NEGOTIABLE. I trust you understand what that means.

Please answer this question; What do you expect us to offer? And what can we expect to get in return?

Who is "we", btw? Are you speaking for Japan or the US?

Both or either as it doesn't make any difference regarding this subject does it?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

"Dialogue for the sake of dialogue is meaningless," Abe said.

It doesn't make any sense. Which dialogue is only for the sake of dialogues ? Can Abe be specific ?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

That's the point of dialogue. These are issues you discuss. Compromises you make.

North Korea expect the compromise will be that North Korea is recognized as a nuclear power by the international community. For them, there is no compromise on that. They have stated that a billion times.

China, the U.S, Japan & South Korea all want denuclearization of the peninsula..

China may accept a nuclear N.K on the condition South Korea and Japan don't go nuclear.

Only one big problem. In recent polls, the South Korean public support a nuclear South Korea to the tune of between 60 - 70%. In large part because they don't trust North Korea or America to act in their interests. The current left leaning President is against South Korea going down the nuclear path, but South Korea is a democracy, elections occur regularly and the conservative side of South Korean politics is far more open to this suggestion.

So if North Korea retains its nuclear status, its highly likely South Korea will go down the same path, with or without U.S help. It puts the U.S in an awkward position because they know if they help South Korea, the North Koreans, but more importantly, the Chinese will be furious, so maybe the U.S does not help them build their own native tech. South Korea will then go it alone....OR America says ok, we will flood South Korea with strategic nukes, but is that good enough against ICBMS? Perhaps. Reality is South Korea already has U.S nuclear weapons on its soil.

If China cannot bear the thought of a sovereign nuclear South Korea do they intercede at this point and attack North Korea to stop it happening? That is an unknown.

What does Japan do if North Korea, South Korea go nuclear permanently? Not to mention Russia and China's fierce arsenals?

Japan will be totally surrounded by nuclear weapons states.

Japan therefore may decide to go nuclear as well. China is even more furious. Do they now launch an attack against North Korea to stop this proliferation? or do they even attack Japan and South Korea?

World War 3 at that point is guaranteed.

The solution is we maintain the current course. Sanctions to the limit, China will withdraw more from North Korea as North Korea goes back to the dark ages but somehow they continue to perfect their arsenal and continue to survive, probably with Russian help. Its pressure on Russia that is the next step in my view. The U.S puts more and more strategic nukes (bombs etc) and other assets in South Korea and Japan.

And we all just wait to see if North Korea is game and stupid enough to fire the first shot.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Decades of dialogue with North Korea has produced nothing. Buy by all means, let us continue.

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

-Albert Einstein

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Fear mongering?  It is stretching the limit of tolerance to accuse Prime Minster Abe of fear mongering.

Pyongyang nuclear and long-range inter-continental ballistic missile programme cannot be mistaken as anything other than a belligerent and aggressive violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions sanctioned by the Global community as a whole.

What actions have the Government/People of Japan to done to justify and warrant such hostility?

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

AkieToday 09:45 am JST"Dialogue for the sake of dialogue is meaningless," Abe said.

It doesn't make any sense. Which dialogue is only for the sake of dialogues ? Can Abe be specific ?

Actually it makes perfect sense. Let me spell it out for you. Japan and the world want NK to stop their nuclear and missile program. The UN has passed multiple resolutions demanding it,

North Korea however, has stated and maintains that their nuclear and missile programs are NOT NEGOTIABLE. Meaning they are not going to even discuss them, much less give them up.

Therefore, a dialogue, ie; discussion, negotiation where NK has stated they are not going to discuss the one thing that the entire world wants from them is "meaningless".

Hope that helps.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Its Russia that helped NK to build ICBM, because the tension between the US/Nato and Russia is at all time high in eastern Europe since the end of the cold war. NK can offset their pressure and distract America.

We're in fact very close to ww3. Things will only get worse as Russia gets more desperate because the West refuse to lift the sanctions. Expect really bad things in the next few years, might be in east Asia, might be in east Europe...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"North Korea's missile tests are an "imminent threat" to Japan"

Trump and Abe are far more imminent threat to this country as well as to South Korea than North Korea's missile tests themselves.  They've been using the missile tests mostly to promote themselves as strong leaders and also to make it easier for them to increase their respective military spending.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Toasted

We all know that Abe want's to amend article 9. What better way than to sit back and let your "enemy" come to you? Let's just hope the missile they do fire against Japan is a dud that merely makes a hole in some rice field somewhere. That will scare everyone and then Shinzo can return Japan to "The good old days"

As for me? I don't want to take a chance the next one is a dud. Act now! Close every pachinko parlour and any business that has dealings with NK. Completely strangle them!

Tired of hearing "More sanctions" What?...why haven't we completely closed all the doors on them?

The change will then come from within when his own people turn on him.

Job done!

Or shall we just continue with this dialogue and then maybe duck and cover?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Aly Ruston

"Which is exactly what the above comments are."

...and your solution is?

Keep quiet since you can't do anything until the US orders you what to do.

If you want to challenge other folk then at least have a contribution.

Look who's talking

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The last time I heard the word "imminent" like this was in that James Bond movie filmed in Japan, You Only Live Twice.

The guy in movie said, "All units stand by for codeword. Codeword is imminent."

Question is, was Abe a James Bond fan?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Imminent threat.

... so let’s just sit back and wait for the next one shall we?

...and your solution is?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

By the way, Alfie and Heretic, Spot on as usual!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Aly

I wrote mine.

What now?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Abe says N Korean missile tests are 'imminent threat'

I would have to agree, so what will you do about it?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Abe and Ossan, I don't know what dialogues are you talking about but the dialogue I am talking about is the dialogue to peacefully resolve nuclear problem in NK. If Abe thinks that other nations have some time to waste, he is wrong. Abe may have leisure times to play games, others may not.

Japanese PM has to be a serious figure, works for Japanese people and gets things done.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Where I live...there are a number of Korean businesses. Granted I don't know if they are from the North or the South...but it would be easy to find out for those that want to check.

I spent 10 years in the military...seen a few things. I am not for war of any sort. But even more so I am not for sitting back and doing nothing while the threat exists.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

While Abe tried to avoid meaningless dialogues in the past 5 years, NK developed nuclear program and got some results. How many years would Abe need to continue his avoidance of meaningless dialogues and what does Abe expect from doing so ?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Abe doesn't want dialogue!

Are you mad?

If Kim does engage in some kind of dialogue and then decides to cancel his nuclear program...what can Abe use then to scare us all into backing his constitutional changes and to cover his crony scandals?

No...he likes things as they are. Just keep everyone afraid of the boogyman and he'll keep pushing for what he wants...not what's good for Japan.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@Akie

At last! Someone who gets it!

0 ( +2 / -2 )

No Names (We know who is who)

Some US presidents (and I think we can all agree its the US that calls the shots) have over the years either...

A: Knew and did nothing

B: Knew but just pretended the problem never existed

C: knew and tried to make friends but just got a slap in the face.

...and here we are now. Facing a scared little dog that will (it thinks to defend itself) jump up and bit at the first person who reaches out. Whether that person is holding a cookie or a whip the dog wont notice.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

AkieToday 11:24 am JST Abe and Ossan, I don't know what dialogues are you talking about but the dialogue I am talking about is the dialogue to peacefully resolve nuclear problem in NK.

I realize that your are obsessed with badmouthing Abe but he is not a poster here. And obviously you did not read my explanation. Dialogue, means a discussion, to negotiate a resolution. Perhaps rather than just saying it how about explaining what dialogue you suggest that will peacefully resolve the nuclear problem in NK. What can the U.S. or South Korea or Japan offer to NK? What can NK offer in return?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Ossan:

Abe should make a public statement that Japan is against any wars in North East Asia, including wars that NK will attack Japan. To that end, Abe should state that Japan will talk anytime if NK is willing to sit down and talk. Abe should reconfirm that Japan is a truly peaceful nation and will not seek any wars or be involved in any wars against neighbor countries, specifically, NK, SK and China. Abe should also make a statement that to resolve NK problems, Japan is willing to make any compensation economically to end nuclear weapon program in NK. Lastly, Abe should respect NK sovereignty and Korean people's decision how to live without interference.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Abe says N Korean missile tests are 'imminent threat'

and what shall we call continued US SK Japan military exercises?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

While Abe tried to avoid meaningless dialogues in the past 5 years, NK developed nuclear program and got some results. How many years would Abe need to continue his avoidance of meaningless dialogues and what does Abe expect from doing so ?

Id argue, at the heart of it, Japan is not really a major player in this conflict, but its caught up in it due to Japan's historical aggression in the region which is not forgotten, their alliance with the U.S and simple geography.

Its really a conflict between North Korea & South Korea via direct hostility built up during and after the Korean War and the proxy conflict between China & America that exists on the Peninsula and is now becoming worldwide in some respects.

If Kim does engage in some kind of dialogue and then decides to cancel his nuclear program.

They will never cancel their program. How many times do they have to state this before it sinks in? That's why the situation is so irretrievable and so difficult to solve.

Abe should make a public statement that Japan is against any wars in North East Asia, including wars that NK will attack Japan. To that end, Abe should state that Japan will talk anytime if NK is willing to sit down and talk. Abe should reconfirm that Japan is a truly peaceful nation and will not seek any wars or be involved in any wars against neighbor countries, specifically, NK, SK and China. Abe should also make a statement that to resolve NK problems, Japan is willing to make any compensation economically to end nuclear weapon program in NK. Lastly, Abe should respect NK sovereignty and Korean people's decision how to live without interference.

Japan, over many years, has already stated they are a peaceful nation. Japan has no nukes other that what the U.S provides. I've never heard Abe promoting the idea of an attack on any of their neighbours. Why should Japan pay "compensation" to North Korea to end their program? That seems extremely unfair to the Japanese taxpayer and I can't imagine many supporting it. Not to mention it would cost billions upon billions to bring North Korea up to South Korean levels. In terms of respecting sovereignty, Japan already does respect N.K/S.K sovereignty.

The problems lay overwhelming at the feet of North and South Korea and how they can get live together, side by side, into the future. Can't forget a few very fundamental points.

N.K considers itself entitled to the whole of the peninsula. They have threatened the South with invasion in the past.

N.K will not give up its nukes, under any circumstance short of war.

Over the medium to long term, S.K will pursue their own nuclear weapons OR house U.S weapons permanently, if N.K does not denuclearize.

China will not tolerate a South Korea with U.S forces on its doorstep.

China is likely to be very hostile to a sovereign S.K and Japanese nuclear arsenal but they can see that the situation is heading that way.

Even if the U.S withdraws from South Korea, cancels exercises, it still leaves North Korea with nuclear weapons and it still results in South Korea going the same way. We still see escalation in other words.
0 ( +2 / -2 )

Japanese don't believe there will be a war between US and NK. At least, the latter one won't start war first.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Abe -san, please do not fall into trumps trap. He will ask you to fire the first shot towards North Korea.

Trump will them lay the fault and blame directly at your feet.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Aly

I wrote mine.

What now?

Now we go through your solutions and see if they are good-

Act now! Close every pachinko parlour and any business that has dealings with NK. Completely strangle them!

Are you serious? Do you really think closing some pachinko parlors is going to strangle NK? Seriously? NK biggest trading partner is the second largest economy on the planet: China. You are delusional if you think closing a few Pachinko parlors is going to do anything.

Tired of hearing "More sanctions" What?...why haven't we completely closed all the doors on them?

If you do that

The change will then come from within when his own people turn on him.

If you recall, in the 1990s NK had a famine where millions died of starvation. If they didn't turn on the regime THEN, what makes you think they will now?

Job done!

Hardley.

Or shall we just continue with this dialogue and then maybe duck and cover?

That's all Abe is doing anyway. He talks big. But he is not going to do anything. And what would you propose beside the genious idea of closing the pachinko parlors? That Japan INVADE NK? Without the US? Have you thought about the Chinese reaction?

The way to fix the situation is first and foremost for Japan to improve relations with China. This right wing dribble coming from Abe is not just directed at NK (maybe it is now) but also at China. China and Japan relations have gotten worse under Abe and THAT is definitely making NK braver.

But getting up and spewing hot air in front of the DIET will not fix this

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Why is he constantly saying that? Does he want to be a number one employee to "CEO" Trump? Just not really logical, indeed! What he wants to do is ACJSkR blockade, what happened to Japan before ww2 ABCD blockade, that's say no more than insane!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Sorry forgot this.

Tired of hearing "More sanctions" What?...why haven't we completely closed all the doors on them?

If you do that, there will be no avenue of dialogue for which to get the abductees back.

Job done!

Hardly.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

North Korea has and continues to state that their nuclear and missile program is NOT NEGOTIABLE.

Are the U.S or Russian nuclear weapons programs negotiable? They started the arms race.

China, Pakistan, France, UK etc all have nuclear weapons as insurance - why can't NK have them also? Remind me which nation has a precedent of using them on innocent civilians.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Japan and the world want NK to stop their nuclear and missile program. The UN has passed multiple resolutions demanding it,

who pays for the UN? how about possible nuke terrorist states like Pakistan and Israel? do they have sanctions?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

AgentXToday 01:05 pm JSTNorth Korea has and continues to state that their nuclear and missile program is NOT NEGOTIABLE.

Are the U.S or Russian nuclear weapons programs negotiable? They started the arms race.

Yes they are.

https://www.armscontrol.org/print/2556

China, Pakistan, France, UK etc all have nuclear weapons as insurance - why can't NK have them also?

None of those countries openly talk about using them on another country. North Korea does.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

AkieToday 12:15 pm JSTOssan:

Abe should make a public statement that Japan is against any wars in North East Asia,

He has many many times and continues to do so

including wars that NK will attack Japan.

What does that mean? Are you saying that if NK attacks Japan, Japan should not defend itself? If so, that's crazy to expect it from any country.

To that end, Abe should state that Japan will talk anytime if NK is willing to sit down and talk.

He has done that and continues to maintain that if NK is willing to talk about their nuclear and missile program then he will talk. But NK has yet to agree to that.

Abe should reconfirm that Japan is a truly peaceful nation and will not seek any wars or be involved in any wars against neighbor countries, specifically, NK, SK and China.

Japan IS a peaceful nation and will not start a war against ANY country. THat is guaranteed by their constitution. But every country has the inherent right to defend itself if attacked.

Abe should also make a statement that to resolve NK problems, Japan is willing to make any compensation economically to end nuclear weapon program in NK.

In other words you suggest that Japan, which had nothing to do with NK's nuclear and missile program should pay money to NK? No country, Japan or south Korea should pay money to North Korea. The world tried over several decades to get NK to stop their program this way and the repeatedly broke their word.

Lastly, Abe should respect NK sovereignty and Korean people's decision how to live without interference.

NK should respect UN resolutions and abide by them.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Unlike knee-jerk peaceniks and anti-Abe gaijins, Abe looks good, capable and clear-headed in interpreting the national risks faced by Japan. One non-invasive solution is for Japan to go nuclear. Taiwan should, too.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

xinxin - peaceniks - ha, ha. Haven't heard that since woodstock.

And,   "....Abe looks good, capable and clear-headed....."

I guess in your opinion, because I've yet to see it.

I'm aware only of a person beating his own drum to fulfil his own path to his own imagined destiny, thereby realizing the intent of his Grandfather - that is - the restoration of glory. 

And to carry this out he's got a new buddy in Trump to shore him him up. So with all this puffed-up-like-a-puffin-approach, he blurts s-c-a-r-y stories and how he'll save us ad nauseum.

NK is psycho atm. no doubting, but they have little interest in Abe.Their mark to offend is SK & the US. 

Abe is coat-tail riding.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Aly

I was stating what JAPAN could do to address the problem. I think my suggestion though small would show some commitment by the J.GOV don't you think?

You mentioned starvation didn't break their spirit.

Well couple that with the threat of vaporisation by the US and they may want to think again.

Your last point...the unfortunate abductees.

They are dead, missing or beyond saving. leave that issue for the political photoshoots because that all the leaders are interested in.

Don't wanna fight with you mate. We all have something to say on this. Not like we can do anything about it.

Wish the folk who could...would!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

maybeperhapsyes

I was stating what JAPAN could do to address the problem. I think my suggestion though small would show some commitment by the J.GOV don't you think?

I actually agree with you. They should close the pachinkos, not only are they a source of revenue mainly to NK sypathysers but they also harm the general public.

You mentioned starvation didn't break their spirit.

Well couple that with the threat of vaporisation by the US and they may want to think again.

True. Very true. But first, if you threaten to nuke NK, you need to get China and SK on board. Don't forget that there will be nuclear fallout if it comes to that. How do we convince China and SK to go along with that when they are neighbors and will be affected by any nukes on the north?

Your last point...the unfortunate abductees.

They are dead, missing or beyond saving. leave that issue for the political photoshoots because that all the leaders are interested in.

Agree. But Abe will have you believe that HE'S going to bring them home- after which he talks this smack in the Diet. Can you see why it pisses me off so much?

Don't wanna fight with you mate. We all have something to say on this. Not like we can do anything about it.

Listen, I think I owe you an apology. I thought you were getting into my face, and unfortunately, when someone does I kind of react like a pit bull. So please accept my humble apologies. I'm just used to a lot of jerks trying to start something which I always insist on ending. So again, I'm sorry.

Wish the folk who could...would!

They won't brother. They don't care. The ironic thing is, when we call out Abe for what he really is- a self-serving arrogant muppet who lies and manipulates public opinion by using the tragedies of others for his own grandeur we are called Japan bashers.

As if Abe is the symbol of Japan.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I hope Abe realises that Trump and the US hegemonists will feed him and all the people of Japan to the wolves to get their war with NK/China started as a "righteous" one.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Aly

cool mate :)

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

A true master at stating the obvious. Wow, amazing.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

OssanAmericaToday 01:30 pm JST

None of those countries openly talk about using them on another country. North Korea does.

You actually believe that the U.S. and JP governments and mainstream media are fair and accurate in their reporting? I haven't heard this much nonsense in the government controlled mainstream media since the U.S. was about to plow into Iraq to find non-existent WMD's, which destabilized the whole area and has had on on-flowing effect to the entire world still present to this day.

This NK situation has a smell similar to the pre-Iraq invasion.

Yes they are.

https://www.armscontrol.org/print/2556

So you link to an agreement that specifies that the US can only have a measly 1,550 warheads, but Korea cannot have even one? Is it not possible to form a similar agreement with NK? The number could be far lower, but that conversation has not been had yet. There's a starting point!

Has the U.S. even asked why NK wants to have these weapons?

Even if the Kims had a handful of warheads, they are not suicidal. That said, if they continue to be poked, cornered and prodded like they are now, who knows. Japan went to war in a big way when the U.S. did the same thing to them for long enough...

As has been mentioned, an open, fair and honest dialogue is the only chance ahead of Japanese and American warmongering idiots intentionally pushing the region (or the world) into some kind of sick future.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Do you lot really think that China and Russia are gonna stand by and do nothing if the US starts using nukes in NK?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Matt and Ossan:

What Abe could do is to leave the peace constitution alone. That will be a big help in resolving NK problems.

Now the big question is that why should Japan compensate ? Japan is involved in the situation actively, by maximizing pressure. Of course Japan should be continuously involved by reducing the pressure. The benefit over the cost is huge. Abe said he will do everything he can to protect Japanese people, then spend some money to get the crisis resolved. To pay the money voluntarily is better than to be asked or to be forced.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

A threat to fish in the ocean at best and something to entertain the odd airline passenger. It is irresponsible to instill that sort of fear in the Japanese population, when there is no threat.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

AgentXDec. 5 03:52 pm JSTOssanAmericaToday 01:30 pm JST

None of those countries openly talk about using them on another country. North Korea does.

You actually believe that the U.S. and JP governments and mainstream media are fair and accurate in their reporting? I haven't heard this much nonsense in the government controlled mainstream media since the U.S. was about to plow into Iraq to find non-existent WMD's, which destabilized the whole area and has had on on-flowing effect to the entire world still present to this day.

This NK situation has a smell similar to the pre-Iraq invasion.

Been following the situation with NK since the mid 1980s. That's well before Iraq, first or second wars. If you don't believe any mainstream media then what are your opinions based on?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

AkieDec. 5 11:30 pm JSTMatt and Ossan:

What Abe could do is to leave the peace constitution alone. That will be a big help in resolving NK problems.

Now the big question is that why should Japan compensate ?

Dumb idea. Already been tried and failed.

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Been following the situation with NK since the mid 1980s. That's well before Iraq, first or second wars.

And the Iraq (second) war was illegal and founded on misreported intelligence, blown out of proportion facts, and lies. Much like the NK situation now.

It's purely for political agenda.

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AgentXToday 08:35 am JSTBeen following the situation with NK since the mid 1980s. That's well before Iraq, first or second wars.

And the Iraq (second) war was illegal and founded on misreported intelligence, blown out of proportion facts, and lies. Much like the NK situation now.

It's purely for political agenda.

You can believe that if you like. But NK has been a real issue and problem well before people ever heard of "Iraq". No comparison.

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But NK has been a real issue and problem well before people ever heard of "Iraq".

In what way? What has NK actually done? They are not against their own constitution to make these weapons, same as all the other nations that have them.

And it's a very valid comparison because the US (and even the UN) plunged the entire world into darker times when they destabilized the Middle East. The credit card is still in the red on that one. We would be fools to let The U.S. and their new pals (Japan) destabilize Eurasia on top of the problems we already have.

Did Cuba ever launch missiles into America? No! But they did send a big F-OFF message to the U.S. that they ought not to meddle in Cuba's affairs.

It's better they just back off and give proper dialogue a fighting chance.

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AgentXDec. 6 01:32 pm JSTBut NK has been a real issue and problem well before people ever heard of "Iraq".

In what way? What has NK actually done? They are not against their own constitution to make these weapons, same as all the other nations that have them.

Please read the history of the Korean War. You will see that we are still officially in a state of war with North Korea, merely an Armistice (that means a temporary cease-fire) since 1951. So you have nation with which we are officially still at war, not merely advancing it's nuclear and missile weapon program in violation of multiple UN resolutions, but actually repeatedly boasting of "nuking" US cities. This is a far cry in behavior from all other nations which have nuclear capability and ensures that North Korea needs to be treated as a separate, unique and dangerous case. And it separates it from other issues you keep harping upon like Iraq.

It's better they just back off and give proper dialogue a fighting chance.

What "dialogue" can be carried out with North Korea which still maintains that it's nuclear and missile programs are NOT NEGOTIABLE? What can we offer to North Korea? What can they offer us in return? If you can not answer this, then there is no point is repeating that "dialogue" is the solution.

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Ossan - that's true.

But it's not unique in the sense that Japan also has no peace treaty with Russia - an extremely powerful nuclear state - and even in the heady angst-driven cold war era dialogue was maintained with the Soviets.

As much as we believe that NK having nuclear capability is reprehensible in the least (I certainly do), as a sovereign state it sees itself as having the right to possess nuclear weapons. As unfortunate and dangerous as that "right" may be, they will never give up that right.

So the "civilised" nations can either continue the seemingly thankless, arduous task of dialogue / pressure or they can choose to kill them and a multitude of innocents in the process.

The latter of course would not require the leaders of those nations to put their or their loved ones lives on the line. That would be non-negotiable.

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browny1Today 09:31 am JST Ossan - that's true.

But it's not unique in the sense that Japan also has no peace treaty with Russia - an extremely powerful nuclear state - and even in the heady angst-driven cold war era dialogue was maintained with the Soviets.

Correct that there exists no peace treaty between Russia and Japan, and Russia is a nuclear power. But that is as far as any similarity goes. Japan maintained dialogue and relations with USSR because after 1945 Japan was no longer a military controlled dictatorship, did not continue to exist in a "state of war" with the USSR all by itself. Japan has no Song Gun or Juche policies. Japan is not closed off to the rest of the world. Fast forward to today, Japan is not even a nuclear power much less striving to be one and constantly talking about "nuking Moscow". This, even while there exists an actual territorial dispute, whereas North Korea has none with the United States. I repeat, North Korea is a unique case in nearly all aspects, which makes resolution extremely difficult with a lack of precedents.

As much as we believe that NK having nuclear capability is reprehensible in the least (I certainly do), as a sovereign state it sees itself as having the right to possess nuclear weapons. As unfortunate and dangerous as that "right" may be, they will never give up that right. So the "civilised" nations can either continue the seemingly thankless, arduous task of dialogue / pressure or they can choose to kill them and a multitude of innocents in the process.

Frankly, I don't really think that NKorea, or any country having nuclear weapons per se is reprehensible. Undesireable yes, but not reprehensible. What I do find reprehensible is (1) the cost to the civilian population of the country brainwashed into believing that Song Gun is the correct way and (2) the perpetual state of war mentality and the constant talk of using nuclear weapons. If we can confidently say that NKorea will never give up it's nuclear weapons, I think we can equally say that the United States will NEVER allow a belligerent country that thinks it's still at war with the U.S. to have nuclear weapons, particularly when they boast of "nuking the U.S.

So unless North Korea blinks and signals that it is ready for dialogue and willing to negotiate it's nuclear and missile programs, a military conflict is probably unavoidable. Which of course has the potential to become WWIII but then maybe not. Particularly if China and/or Russia were onboard an operation to defang NK without escalating or upsetting the geopolitical balance.

The latter of course would not require the leaders of those nations to put their or their loved ones lives on the line. That would be non-negotiable.

If it comes to the kind of war where millions will die of course you are correct. My biggest concern is that I fear our current President is too stupid to be able to put together a multinational military operation that could solve tis problem without massive casualties.

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