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Trump expects Japan's military to reinforce U.S. in Asia and beyond

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What military? Japan can't have one by the Constitution.

-7 ( +12 / -19 )

trump has ZERO knowledge of Japans constitution. But this does not stop him from insulting the country.

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Abe is trying to dissolve the heiwa kenpo so he can rebuild the Japanese army. I sure hope the Japanese know how much they are going to suffer economically if they follow through...

5 ( +15 / -10 )

ZENJI: Yeah, but as much as Trump is woefully inept and uneducated, the bad guy here is Abe; not only he is a loser and lapdog, willing to sell himself and his nation out completely for a few words of praise while still not getting anything from Trump on NK, he's just used our taxes to fund the US weapons program while declaring the nation has no money, and HE knows the Constitution but does this anyway. This is the right-winger's hero: a man with no spine who will buy anything made-in-America over Japanese as long as Trump throws him a bone.

-1 ( +16 / -17 )

Japan has the 8th ranked military in the world, the Constitution prohibits them from being used offensively. Some debate has been made as to whether a first strike against an eminent attack could be considered "self defense".

10 ( +10 / -0 )

When will these so called leaders of the civilized world, stop ramping up the war mongering rhetoric. We all know that this is controlled by the American military manufacturing complex. The world is tired of these conflicts that kill and maim more civilians than military personnel. A world that promotes peace for its inhabitants, to be able to live a meaningful life, and would be more of an acceptable rhetoric than what we hear today from all these right wing conservative racial bigots. Time for main stream media to stand up and call out this life treating rhetoric for what it is. The world is facing so many problems, climate change, water shortages, poverty, destructive weather events unseen in my lifetime, and yet these political leaders think more about their own popular images than the millions of people they are elected represent. Japan has one of the most respected constitutions in the World, let it stay that way and not be influenced by the call to support the US's war mongering policies. time for the allies of the US to say enough is enough, your on your own if you continue with these destructive foreign policies

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Good luck with that plan.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

I really hope that Japan does not join the allies of evil. All the conflict the US is involved in were based on lies, as the next one will certainly be.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Japan needs more military capability to counter any move by Russia or China. Russia grabbed Japanese territory a few weeks after the war. Taiwan supports more Japanese military to counter the mainland. As for supporting the US military, transport and logistics are a big item that Japan can do without a change in their constitution. MacArthur really messed up that section of the constitution when he didn't give his group writing it even a month to do the job. Also the Emperor should have some political power within the current structure. I can see a time frame before allowing any rebuild, but it cannot be permanent. Constitutional Monarchies are more stable then most other forms of government. Now it's more important than ever and the Philippines needs the same, but can't afford it because of the ongoing Muslim insurrection.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Japan supported the UN forces during the Korean War, but did not support the U.S.A. during the Vietnam War. The point is, Japan should get involved in wars when it believes it is the right thing to do, and not just because Trump demands it.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Kaga and the Izumo are the biggest aircraft carriers Japan has operated since its wartime defeat, but its Self Defense Forces designate them as destroyers

a little history on their predecessors in WW2.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_cruiser_Izumo

Izumo was sunk by American carrier aircraft during the attack on Kure in July 1945. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Kaga#Sinking

at midway :

At 10:22, 25 SBD Dauntless dive-bombers from Enterprise, led by C. Wade McClusky, hit Kaga with one 1,000-pound (450 kg) bomb and at least three 500-pound (230 kg) bombs.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

With respect to Japanese involvement in Vietnam, the Japanese Self Defense forces did not deploy but the Japanese merchant marine was very active in transportation of supplies.

The point today is that China has designed vast areas of the south China Sea as territorial waters. Japan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia have a big interest in this dispute and need to pony up.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Got to laugh after watching the NHK news tonight.

After reporting how Japan will use Kuga for it's newly to be acquired F-35s - with photos and all - they continue to call the ship a destroyer. Oh - offensive ships are not allowed by the constitution, so just call it a destroyer.

And no comments were made about Trump stating that they will be used "far beyond". Oh - offensive practices are not allowed by the constitution, so just say nothing.

NHK - the great stand in line and salute broadcaster.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

That's why Trump is in Japan, to order Abe to support the US economy by buying US arms. If the US is such a great power, as some commentators insist, it shouldn't need Japanese support when the US invades other nations, when the US continues its march for global dominance. Japan should regain its sovereignty and self respect and demand the US remove US bases from Japan. Having US bases on Japanese soil only makes Japan a target. The main reason there is so much instability and aggression in the world is US dictatorship.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

Japan should do what Japan feels is best for it when it comes to military build-up and use.

Would expect the Japanese people to stick with defensive-only use and perhaps logistics support in any non-Japanese direct conflicts.

President Trump probably asked Abe for personal loyalty too. Pfffft.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

GOOD & honest Japanese do not want this action. Japan is not abe private property, it is enough insult to the good Japanese people , taking their money , be the 1st to meet the new Emperor & Empress but to show such insult is a real bully to the great good Japanese honest people.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Oh, and by the way, when I was at Camp Liberty at BIAP in 2005, I went to the Japanese camp on base and talked with the JGSDF guys there. Their mission was logistical support but it was still a combat zone.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

"U.S. President Donald Trump said he expects that Japan's military will reinforce U.S. forces throughout Asia and elsewhere".

As I've said on many occasions, without its allies, its lapdogs the US is a drop in the ocean and as soon as the lapdogs realize this, they will be able to regain their sovereignty and resist US bullying, threats and domination. The world will be a much more peaceful place when the US is made to follow the rules rather than set the rules.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The current occupant of the White House does not have any historical recollection and made ill advised comments of the geopolitical sitation.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Trump is the sales reps of the USA armement industry lobby. Saudi Arabia and so on!

Just that!

And if needed, add a bit of oil on sleeping fire (Iran) and sales go up again.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

trump has ZERO knowledge of Japans constitution. But this does not stop him from insulting the country.

Or just maybe he actually knows the history of the SDF providing logistical support for the United States and it's allies in past combat operations...?

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

I don't think Japan is anywhere near ready yet to deploy it's armed forces beyond the borders of Japan.

Although Japan is "in the world", Japan is still not "of the world".

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

zichi May 28 04:59 pm JST

PM Abe will spend ¥1.5 trillion of taxpayers money buying American made weapons which create zero new jobs for the country and further put it under the control of Trump.

It's not that simple.

In Japan there is the JSA (Japan Scientists' association). Be careful not to confuse it with the JST. It is a totally different governmental body. This union federation issues an identification card that is required in most universities and I+D+I development centers. According to its statutes, any member of this federation will be expelled if he is working on the development of any military system. Regardless of any use. This is due to the existence of Article 9. And the federation imposes its members not to work on projects that are against the spirit of that article. The expulsion of a scientist from the federation would mean the end of his working career. By forever withdrawing the necessary accreditation to be able to research within Japanese territory. The majority of universities and technology centres require membership of this federation. Or at least have a valid ID as a member.

It is because of this systematic boycott that this federation exercises. The main culprit in Japan's failure to develop weapons systems on its own. Because there are no qualified personnel willing to work for the ministry of defense. Because the simple fact of doing so means that in the future all doors to employment are systematically closed. And a person is not going to destroy their future job. Unless the person who works for the ministry of defense has the confidential security that will work forever with them until retirement.

That's why Japan buys weapons from the United States or its NATO allies. Because at the local level there are national organizations that systematically boycott this development. If they stopped. Japan could develop weapons on its own.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I don't think Japan is anywhere near ready yet to deploy it's armed forces beyond the borders of Japan.

Except that they already have. Repeatedly...

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

trump has ZERO knowledge of Japans constitution. But this does not stop him from insulting the country.

You don't know what you're talking about, Obama wanted the exact same thing regarding back up from the Japanese military.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Japan is a rising Military force in the world, and Trump is right to embrace this as USAs number 1 partner. Asian nations have nothing to fear from a more powerful Japan, as long as they stick to "rule of law" and democracy.

Japan and USA both share a love of Freedom and will always have each others back. This will be easier to realize when the constitution gets changed.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Ganbare Japan!: "Asian nations have nothing to fear from a more powerful Japan, as long as they stick to "rule of law" and democracy." Yes, as long as they stick to the rule of law set by the US and the democracy ruled by the US. US "rule of law": Vietnam. Palestinian territory, Iraq, Venezuela, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya....

"a love of Freedom": Freedom as defined by the US; America First, Japan continues to be under US occupation... Ask the countries the US has invaded, has toppled their government etc. about American freedom.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

The stronger America gets the more upset people from other countries are. Participate people, get involved, stop complaining and do something PRO active in your country to compete and play at the party. That is exactly what Japan is doing. Most of the posters are living in the dark ages. The U.S. and Japanese alliance is not the same as it was 70 years ago. America doesn't dictate to Japan what she is supposed to do. Japan could leave the alliance anytime and the U.S. would just find another Asian partner. Japan works with America because Japan WANTS to continue the Alliance, not the other way around.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@yakyak, Kinda agree with your point. America seems to have many friends in Asia.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Did Trump visit the Kaga to reaffirm the U.S. and Japan were in a boss-follower relation? There occur some legal problems that may infringe on Japan's pacifist constitution if Trump wants that relationship to be maintained.

Mr. President, it's against the constitution as well as the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty for the Japanese naval fleet to go beyond the Japanese waters as far as the Indo-Pacific regions to help U.S. fleet engage in aggressive wars.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The U.S. wants Japan to change its constitution. And for that he is making statements so that the Japanese people understand that the current status cannot be maintained as it is.

The belligerent situation that China has with its neighbouring countries obliges it to do so. The current constitution is becoming too obsolete. And if it is not modified. In the future Japan will be forced to disobey Article 9. Having to break the constitutional thread for reasons of force majeure.

Now the political and social weight is held by the parties such as the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (PDCJ). The People's Democratic Party. The Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party. Which are the parties that enigmatically oppose a constitutional amendment process.

In the next summer elections to the chamber of the National Diet. We will check the electoral weight they have for refusing to admit, the current obsolescence of Article 9. Because their results worsen from election to election.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

like Tump knows anything about military? I'd love to take him into the jungles of SF Asia he wouldn't last 15 minutes

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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