Abe, Shanahan agree to bolster Japan-U.S. alliance

According to the article, Abe took the initiative to say this bilateral alliance must be bolstered in order "to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific." 

The catch is: (1) Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution prohibits Japan from using force to resolve international disputes; (2) the U.S. is granted the use by its armed forces of bases and facilities in Japan in exchange for their defense of Japan and not the Indo-Pacific region; (3) most of the U.S bases in Okinawa sit on illegally confiscated private land, as typified by Futenma Air Station.

In order to bolster the said alliance, all these realities and conditions must be ignored blatantly and intentionally, only resorting to the law of the jungle. Did Abe and Shanahan have these problems in mind  when they talked and agreed?

Japan is an exporter country with zero natural resources. It has been occupied by the United States for over 70 years. It's media, economy, social structure, hearts and minds of it's people is strongly influenced by high level business/ government policies. So, sure... they side with the USA.

Everything is based on internal politics, within the Chamber of the National Diet. Don't look for external enemies.

But it's so much easier for them to blame the usual scapegoats than it is to look at the real problem. Change starts from within. Japan needs to be able to defend itself first, before it can stand on it's own.

rlperez@hotmail.com.au Today 08:44 pm JST

Abe following US orders. The Japanese people must demand their government regain their sovereignty. Japan must stop being Washington lapdogs.

To take that first step Japan must first modify Article 9. Until that article is modified. Japan will be forever forced into the US-Japan "security alliance". The biggest problem in this matter is not Abe, nor the LDP. Not even the US itself to this day.

The main problem lies in the Japanese opposition political parties opposed to amending the constitution. Parties such as the DPCJ (Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan). The JCP (Communist Party of Japan). The Democratic Party for the People) and the Social Democratic Party). They are primarily responsible for Japan's need to increase dependence on the US.

Everything is based on internal politics, within the Chamber of the National Diet. Don't look for external enemies.

Why does the US need to  "bolster Japan-U.S. alliance"? According to the US, it is the greatest power in the history of the world and they need no one.

Bravo! . . . good news for both countries.

It's pathetic, there are so many leaders in Japan who could change everything and make Japan useful internally and internationally. But none of them are from the right family so we all have to Shogani and watch things plummet. This is another example of mentally deficient leaders hearing the masses into a hole.

Abe following US orders. The Japanese people must demand their government regain their sovereignty.  Japan must stop being Washington lapdogs.

Was there ever a time when and LDP led govt PM did not agree ' to bolster the US Japan alliance' ?

The answer to that question is the same as the answer to this question -

Did Japan become the world's second biggest economy ( until China finally caught up to take #2 ) without the USA's help?

Abe never understood.

Whenever they agree to bolster the bilateral security alliance, Okinawa's burden to host U.S. bases will increase. So this is really a scam.

In the face of China and Russia supposedly driving to boost capabilities in space, cyber and electronic warfare, how will the building of a new base for the Okinawa-based Marines contribute the alliance?

@ganbare

"... fighting for freedom"!

When did Japan ever do that?

Not fighting with guns, but with words and strengthening the bilateral alliance. On the tragic 30th anniversary of Tiananmen massacre, Japan will set an example to PRC as a freedom loving nation with robust democracy. Chinese citizens will be watching, and Communist leaders hopefully fearful of them...

@ganbare

"... fighting for freedom"!

When did Japan ever do that?

In such a dangerous time we live in and region of the world, this is extremely comforting news. USA has Japans back - Japan has USAs back. Both Nations will never stop fighting for Freedom, whether PRC likes it or not.

SimondB: "Why would you want to tie yourself to a perpetually at war country like the US with a child-man leading them? "

Because it's Abe. Arf arf!

Why would you want to tie yourself to a perpetually at war country like the US with a child-man leading them?  Common sense should tell you to keep them at a good distance.

I pledge allegiance to the United States of Japan.

Abe, Shanahan agree to bolster Japan-U.S. alliance

Surprise surprise. This isn't news

"He also said the United States remains committed to supporting Japan to resolve the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s."

Except that the president takes the word of NK dictator Kim over his own people.