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© Thomson Reuters 2024.U.S. needs Japan's help to boost military production, ambassador says
By Tim Kelly TOKYO©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
97 Comments
TaiwanIsNotChina
Everybody should be making 155 mm shells and Patriot interceptor missiles to counter the state that is still fighting WW2. These are not escalatory things.
SaikoPhysco
All well and good but Japan currently is having a hard time finding people to do many jobs throughout the country.
deanzaZZR
The red line is if Japan agrees to produce offensive weapons like artillery shells for the USA war machine. There's no way to claim such types of weapons are "defensive" in nature.
TaiwanIsNotChina
And the consequences for that will be.... Defensive weapons are a contradiction in terms.
kurisupisu
In other words, Rahm Emanuel is suggesting that Japan start expanding industries to allow more people to be maimed and killed?
GuruMick
Does Costa Rica have to start a military build up ?
Some countries make their own way in world affairs.
The USA is not a model citizen.
Can we have another way forward ?
Antiquesaving
Don't do it Japan!
Already Japan's SDF is not the biggest or strongest but if they follow the USA and others like Canada they will end up cannibalizing their own military to supply Ukraine and Israel!
obladi
Sadly, it's a win-win for the U.S. and Japanese economy. Things are heating up all over the world. Not only Ukraine and Israel, but also Africa and Myanmar as well. I don't see Japan saying "no" to the business.
JboneInTheZone
Artillery rounds can be used in a defensive manner. In fact any weapon can
TaiwanIsNotChina
Not if it is a Russian or Chinese way, that is for darn sure.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Do you believe JMSDF ships will be sent to Ukraine and Israel?
Antiquesaving
What are you going on about again?
Who said anything about ships?
Why do you bring up something no one is talking about?
The facts are very clear and in the news!
Canada, Europe even the USA have admitted they have depleted their own military stocks of ammunition, vehicles missiles etc... no one said anything about ships or their own military being sent!
The facts are out there, the USA has even said production of shells and missiles now are priority to replace depleted stock first and this is why they are trying to push other countries to give their stock.
The UK has said the same as have many others.
sakurasuki
Whose money will be used? Japan Tax Payer money? No Thanks!
Peter14
NATO and all partner nations should be coordinating production on many levels, not just US and Japan.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Japan's primary defense is of the naval variety. That is why it is nonsensical to say the Ukraine war is harming Japan's defense.
Meiyouwenti
What “deeper defence industry collaboration” actually means is buying more US-made weapons at marked-up prices. But of course, Japan cannot say no to the viceroy sent here from the master country.
deanzaZZR
@JboneInTheZone Did you not notice the nuance I was showing the use of ""? Current policy in Japan is to use this facade to green light weapon sales.
The USA also (in)famously named a missile capable of destroying multiple cities Peacekeeper.
wallace
The US always stated its military was capable of fighting two wars. It is not even fighting a single war.
Yrral
You Japanese are on your own,no matter what government of the US says ,the majority of American do not care about your survival, because they have say and your protection is not important too them
Antiquesaving
Well if 50,000 JMSDF and 13,000 coastguard personnel
GSDF has 150,000 personnel airSDF 50,000
So not sure about your claim but either way, nothing in the article about JMSDF or going anywhere.
It is about equipment!
BertieWooster
Why doesn't the US outsource production to China, like Apple and many others? It would be interesting to see "Made in China" on a Patriot Missile and 50% of them don't work.
fallaffel
I find it amusing that around half of those opposed to US support of Ukraine/East Asia complain that it just makes the US richer, and the other half complain that it makes the US poorer.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Was it ever fired in combat? Well there you go...
TaiwanIsNotChina
Only from a manufacturing perspective. We were too busy enjoying the peace dividend while Russia was preparing for war since 1945. In any event, it can be solved so you can get your two wars and be impressed again.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Ukraine's independence is on the line and ammunition helps them, not bleats for peace from the Putinist.
TheLizardKing
It's okay when daddy USA tells us to do it!
OssanAmerica
No such "redline" exists. Japan has already produced ammunition for the US in time of shortage. They have also supplied ammunition to the South Koreans during UN peace keeping operations.
There is nothing in the J-constitution that prohibits weapons production or exports, and any limitations are self-imposed and can be overturned. All weapons can be offensve or defensive based on why, when and how they are used. Only those objecting to anything military in Japan perpetuate this "defensive only" myth.
Antiquesaving
Peace?
So much for a peaceful country!
Yep the USA has been great at avoiding any battles on its soil but it sure invaded, bombed, lead coups d'etats, sent it's military into other countries always under the false claims if protecting democracy and protecting USA interests often putting a dictator in place in the countries it claimed to be defending democracy!
OssanAmerica
One of the few, if not the only time, I have agreed with P45 is his making an issue out of our allies in Europe and Asia not putting in their fair and agreed share to defend the freedom we enjoy from autocracies. Putin has corrected the situation in Europe, and Xi is doing the same in Asia. The United States can not continue as the world's policeman by itself. Increasing their own military capabilities and advancing closer cooperation among like minded allied nations, both strategically and economically is necessary to preserve the present world order.
Japan and South Korea have tremendous shipbuilding experience, technology and capacity. It makes perfect sense to tap this potential with our allies.
Falco1
Sadly these are the time where major countries around the world are rearming and using a good amount of their founds in military spendings.
Japan in the end if following the trend,one can only hope that the change in leadership in several nations like Russia,China and other regimes could bring a normalization but so far it might be just a wish.
BeerDeliveryGuy
American taxpayer money.
Japan produces the arms, the US DoD buys them.
Yrral
Ossan, American do not need the assistance of weak insecure Japanese leaders, American do like cowards, who cannot and will not defend themselves
isabelle
Per OssanAmerica's comment, this statement is untrue.
There is nothing in Japan's constitution that would prohibit this. Japan does have export rules preventing the supply of weapons to countries at war, but the US is not at war, despite what the pro-CCP/Kremlin hordes assert.
No, to stop those people that are maiming and killing/would maim and kill others.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad people in the world, and only a fool leaves themself unprepared for such people.
Unfortunately, talks with dictators don't work. Didn't work with Hitler, didn't work with Mussolini, and won't work with Putin, Xi and the like.
Peter14
Completely wrong, this is about the US needing to buy from Japanese industry to cover its shortfall. The flow of money is from the US to Japan in this instance. We are talking billions of US defence dollars being spent on Japanese defence industry goods and services. Cha-ching$$$.
stormcrow
It's time to turn Japan into a porcupine.
It's sad to say but with aggressive neighbors like these, who needs enemies?
BB
Welcome to the military-industrial complex!
Antiquesaving
Yes the USA has a nack at being at war without being at war!
Police action, etc...are the words and way the USA avoids saying it is at war!
But in reality the USA has been at war in one form or another 222 Out of 239 Years of it's existence.
Yes like all the dictators and authoritarian governments the USA has put in place and supported for decades!
Democracy, right? I guess Vietnam and Korea coups d'etats organiser by the USA, the removal of the elected government in Iran placing the shaw in power leading to the Islamic revolution, the support for Batista in Cuba leading to Castro, the coup in Chile putting Pinochet in power, the coup in Argentina and the list goes on!
Funny, the USA had no problem with pro USA dictators in all the above and more!
The hypocrisy is deafening but not surprising as most Americans are clueless about the role their government has played in putting dictators in power.
TaiwanIsNotChina
But not the kind of barbarism Russia has going on right now. No use for massed 155 mm artillery in the wars you are talking about post-WW2.
The attempt at worldwide revolution was real. Thankfully we largely kept our hemisphere clean among other successes.
Strangerland
That's correct. Unfortunately, the only party that can stop this war now, is the same party that started it, and continues to drag it out; Russia.
Unfortunately Putin has zero interest in peace, as it doesn't work into his desire to provoke NATO into a war.
So the war continues, and all Russian soldiers in Ukraine must die. Or go home.
deanzaZZR
Links needed. Are you suggesting that Japan supplied ammunition to the USA military in direct support of fighting in Vietnam, Iraq or the like?
And what has Japan supplied to Ukraine? Japan has supplied bulletproof vests, helmets and I believe some Toyota 4 wheelers.
Antiquesaving
You should look up USA history!
Let me know what you find!
You should just start with the Philippines, that's a good one then check out Vietnam, agent orange is a fun gift that keeps on giving to this day!
Strangerland
Or maybe I'm American, and I do.
Mr Goodman
Truth be told as it's bin clear for quite some time the iron clad protection that the USA promises is too difficult to maintain without the use of weapons of mass destruction
Japan makes great stuff however Japan as a major weapons manufacturer puts itself national security at risk.
Japanese people want peace not war.
wallace
Recent story. The US military ships to be repaired in Japanese shipyards.
"Navy warships to be repaired at Japanese shipyards, ambassador says. YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — The U.S. Navy plans to send some of its vessels to Japanese shipyards for maintenance to reduce the time it takes them to return to service, the U.S. ambassador to Japan announced Friday."
https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2024-01-19/navy-ship-repair-japanese-shipyards-12724715.html#:~:text=Navy%20warships%20to%20be%20repaired%20at%20Japanese%20shipyards%2C%20ambassador%20says,-By&text=YOKOSUKA%20NAVAL%20BASE%2C%20Japan%20%E2%80%94%20The,ambassador%20to%20Japan%20announced%20Friday.
wallace
No wars ended during Trump's term.
Sh1mon M4sada
Anything that upsets the CCP and CCP supporters has to be good for the world.
Don't pretend there's redlines and pseudo cold wars etc. China has already crossed all the redlines and started preparation for war. It would be foolish for the free democractic nations like Japan to still debate who are its friends and allies.
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-built-mock-up-taiwans-presidential-office-area-desert-images-2024-3
Mr Goodman
That's not entirely correct though is it.
Ukraine could stop fighting and cede territory or sign an agreement would also stop the war
Not saying Ukraine should
Just correcting false narrative !
BeerDeliveryGuy
The then Soviet Union had a massive state operated arms industry, focused on quantity, resilience to isolation, and survivability of the industry.
In the start of WW2, the US didn’t even have enough rifles to arm all its soldiers, but wartime economy kicked in, and shortages were soon resolved as companies with capable machinery and production lines were given manufacturing quotas of arms components.
I remember a 1943 M2 .50cal that was stamped with the Singer sewing machine company seal in the armory.
In the event of another full scale war against a peer power, the US may not have the industrial base to manufacture arms on that scale anymore.
Strangerland
That’s stupid. They’re fighting for the freedom of their nation.
gaijintraveller
The US supports genocide, mayhem and destruction. The US is the largest weapons producer in the world and the last thing the world needs is more weaponry. The US is still supplying weapons to Israel.
Mr Goodman
Fighting a war impossible to win isn't intelligent
Does it somehow appear that Ukraine has achieved freedom or will win ?
Bravo to the tenacity and bravery to keep Fighting however in the end will it have bin worth it.
Better to negotiate a deal and establish a demilitarized zone.
Fighting isn't the only solution to the war.
bass4funk
Pretty much.
No wars were started either, that’s the main thing
Strangerland
Do you think this supposed inevitable loss will come in more or less than 72-hours?
In case it's not clear, I'm making fun of your assertion that Ukraine is fated to lose. Ukraine was supposed to lose in 72-hours, remember?
Or was this hellhole Putin has got himself into, with the entire planet that matters hating Russia and quarantining them all part of his plan? Is he playing 4D chess like Trump?
Mr Goodman
Are you completely sure that's an accurate assessment ?
Americans also think America is the greatest nation on earth.
Strangerland
Yes, 20-30km of Russian territory ceded as a DMZ seems like a good first step. What else is Russia willing to give up?
wallace
The USA is the largest exporter of arms and holds 40% of the market.
quercetum
Is it an overcapacity?
wallace
bass4funk
No wars ended during Trump's term.
No American wars have started since Biden took office.
OssanAmerica
Look it up yourself.
Japan provided the United States with small arms ammunition during the Iraq War in December 2004. This transfer occurred amidst the Battle of Fallujah and was part of Japan's support for the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq. The decision was significant as it marked one of the first times Japan had supplied military materials to a country involved in an ongoing conflict, reflecting Japan's evolving security policies post-World War II.
Japan says it will send Patriot air defence missiles to the US after changing its arms export rules, in a shift away from its pacifist policies. The White House has welcomed the move, which could free up the US to send its own stockpile to Ukraine.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67798740
In December 2023, Japan revised the implementation guidelines for its three principles on the transfer of defense equipment to allow finished defense products manufactured under license from foreign companies to be exported to the companies’ countries. It also announced a plan to sell the Self-Defense Forces’ Patriot surface-to-air guided missiles to the United States.
Antiquesaving
Let me remind you about post WW2 USA!
Support for dictator Batista resulting in Castro.
Orchestrating the coup d'etat in Iran putting dictator the Shaw, resulting in the ayatollah's !
Vietnam, resulting in millions dead and agent orange still causing serious illness to millions!
Destabilizing both Laos and Cambodia resulting in the Khmer rouge!
Coups d'etats in Chile and Argentina putting Pinochet and military junta in power and supplying them with weapons to remain in power.
Backing Saddam Hussein in a war against Iran resulting in hundreds of thousands killed and the eventual invasion of Iraq and continued hostilities with Iran!
All the while supplying other pro USA dictators and "opposition warlords" around the world resulting in millions of deaths.
Drop the USA good Russia/USSR bad scenario! They both did what was advantageous for themselves and never for anyone else!
bass4funk
No wars were started either, that’s the main thing
Yes, Russia and Ukraine
Strangerland
Started by Russia. Not an American war... yet. But if Putin invades NATO...
isabelle
As I say, "despite what the pro-CCP/Kremlin hordes assert."
The US' past actions have absolutely no bearing on current aggression by China and Russia.
The threat must be dealt with, and that is exactly what the US, Japan, and the rest of the free world are doing.
Again, past actions have no bearing on the current situation. The US has made some terrible missteps in its foreign policy -- I'd certainly agree with that -- but it's irrelevant to the points that Emanuel is making here.
Japan not being a major weapons manufacturer puts national security at risk.
ClippetyClop
"Let me whaddabout my hatred for USA again!"
The USA didn't invade Ukraine. You can whaddabout all day long again but it won't change the fact that Russia has repeatedly invaded Ukraine and annexed its territory.
These are FACTS etc.
quercetum
Japan needs to do its part and chip in more. Can't just enjoy the U.S. protection without contributing.
wallace
bass4funk
No wars ended during Trump's term.
No American wars have started since Biden took office.
Supplying aid to Ukraine does not mean America is at war with Russia. The EU is also supplying aid and they too are not at war.
No American troops have been killed in Ukraine.
rainyday
If you are counting wars started by other countries then its also incorrect to say that no wars started under Trump's presidency.
Antiquesaving
It is amazing how so many are so willing to ignore and forget what they don't like!
If you both think the USA has changed and isn't still doing what it has done for the past 80 years fine live in your little world!
All just attempts at not accepting facts and reality.
Just because someone doesn't agree with the USA government on interference in other countries, it's pro USA interests regardless of the effects on local populations it's history of proxy wars, doesn't mean they are pro CCP or Russia but are stating facts.
But go ahead lable others whatever you want because you cannot defend or admit USA policy or actions!
voiceofokinawa
Surprising. Surprising. Before anyone knew about it, Japan has become a big weapons producer. Japan seems to have remilitarized itself fully despite the post-war pacifist constitution and its repeated vows not to commit the same mistake.
Probably, Japan’s possession of nuclear arsenal may be near at hand. All this with the sanction by Washington, I’m afraid.
As far as these weapons are not used against the U.S., it’s all right for Japan to remilitarize and build up arms, Washington may think, I'm afraid.
.
bass4funk
With Americans involved though.
Congress will have a difficult time authorizing America to engage in any military conflict considering that most Americans don’t want to get involved in this conflict.
bass4funk
No wars were started either, that’s the main thing
Yes, Russia and Ukraine
You are involved
I don’t care either way.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/05/29/memorial-day-americans-killed-ukraine-russia-war/
Antiquesaving
Every time I see this type of comment and lables being tossed around, I think mccarthyism and the red scare!
What point would that be? Oh right, it is good for USA interests!
Funny how the USA is asking Japan to make weapons to sell and for the USA and friends but then blocks Japanese non military businesses!
Ah but what are friends for, right?
wallace
Washington Post is a paywall.
wallace
The US is a member of NATO and obliged under Article 5 to protect other member countries. Just like NATO did for the US on 9/11.
OssanAmerica
The "mistake" is to advocate imperialism and fascism, and use military force to invade, dominate, and occupy other nations. Something that Russia is doing right now, and China is threatening to do.
Japan could produce all the weapons in the world and it still would not be comitting "the same mistake".
Japan did not mass produce weapons for other countries in all of it's history including WWII.
Hope you recover from your 平和ボケ. Global circumstances, none of which is Japan's doing, behooves Japan to do so.
TaiwanIsNotChina
You see the word "veteran" there? That means the US is not at war.
bass4funk
The bigger question is, do you really need NATO these days, wouldn’t it be better if we could try to come to some understanding with Russia have some sit downs and some talks? I mean, Russia dissolved the Warshaw pact, why not do the same and dissolve NATO? We don’t have to be the best of friends, but maybe we can come to an understanding, I think we should be able to have relations with Russia, good diplomatic, but as long as we make Putin, the enemy or Russia and make them seem antagonistic, we will never have political peace.
TaiwanIsNotChina
The lights would be on in Havana right now if Batista hadn't been overthrown.
Ok. Now why do they have nothing to do with their free time but support terrorism for 50 years?
Great power struggles are not good for the locals. I assume you know that Soviet Union and China were happy contributors to that.
Yup, the local population bears no responsibility for their country.
Chile, Argentina, and Iraq are doing just fine.
Millions and millions, huh? I suggest you find more accurate sources.
Then it is time for you to acknowledge that Russia is clearly in the wrong in 2024.
Antiquesaving
I wonder if the pro war pro USA NATO etc.. actually hear themselves?
On one hand they go on and on about Russia not being able to beat Ukraine but then fear monger that Russia will attack NATO countries!
Get real! If as you all say Russia is able to defeat Ukraine how on earth is it going to attack and think it can beat the full force of NATO?
Either you have to admit that Russia is powerful and will defeat Ukraine and capable of attacking NATO countries or that it is not strong enough to beat Ukraine and therefore not a threat to NATO countries, you cannot have it both ways?
deanzaZZR
You take this to the street in Tokyo and ask the average Nakyayma on the Tokyo street, "should Japan build weapons for the USA military" and I would be shocked if even 2 out of 10 give a definite 'yes'.
TaiwanIsNotChina
You see: Russia has been preparing the materials of war for 80 years and Putin has been plotting it for 20. They aren't happy with Poland being in NATO, let alone countries to the east. You don't just sit down with a genocidal maniac with a penchant for military deception without having him on the ropes first. Also your proposal would have more impact if it weren't coming straight from felons and people that never served a day in their lives.
TaiwanIsNotChina
The problem is Russia's entire method of operating is maskirovka and hybrid warfare. In the past two years, Russia has brought Hamas and Iran into the fold as dear allies. Such a country can not be negotiated with until it abandons those principles at least for a time again.
bass4funk
I don’t think Poland should be in NATO tbh.
Well, when the war fanatics take that approach we can never have Detonte, and we can never come to an agreement, do you constantly pointing fingers at Russia, but give Ukraine a pass, I think neither country should be given a pass, but I do think that we should have some reasonable relations, and as long as United States and the rest of the world treats, Russia, just as an enemy, then Russia can do the same, for the war industry. It’s great business, so I can see them not wanting to work out anything with Russia.
Not sure what that senseless rent meant, but so far this administration, and particularly the Democrats in the swamp machine will not undermine Putin, just not going to happen
wallace
NATO exists for mutual protection against an external enemy.
bass4funk
I think our governments pose a more existential threat towards humanity than a one Russia
wallace
The United States turned Russia into an enemy since the time of the Russian Revolution and the rise of communism. The US fought in many wars in foreign countries to try and stop the spread of communism and also conducted a domestic campaign to root out communist influences in Hollywood. Communism is what many Americans were taught to fear. Also becoming part of the American DNA.
Russia has invaded many countries. 20 in total.
The Russian Bear became the enemy many decades ago.
Antiquesaving
So you support pro USA dictators! Nice to know!
Vietnam over one million not counting the victims of agent orange estimated between 1 and 2 million death not counting the 150,000 to 500,00 stillborn it caused.
Iraq Iran war, 500,000 dead.
Chile and Argentina 30,000
Congo under Mobutu backed by the USA and supplied by the USA 100,000 to 300,000 died during his rule and as many as 3 million more in the mess after and USA supplied weapons fuelled the killing.
Somoza regime of Nicaragua, 50,000 to 100,000 not including the 30,000 to 50,000 during the revolution at the end!
Would you like more?
wallace
bass4funk
NATO exists for mutual protection against an external enemy.
It is not only Russia.
The US required the help of NATO on 9/11. Again in Iraq and Afghanistan. Russia is not the only enemy. The US also used NATO in Serbia under Clinton.
Antiquesaving
And how is that any different than the USA?
The USA has partnered with terrorists groups, oppressive regimes like Saddam Hussein, the taliban, and many many more!
You act as if Russia/USSR were the only ones doing this!
Honestly do you even know USA history?
Sorry to burst your bubble but the USA is as good if not better at "maskirovka and hybrid warfare" as any other countries to be exact it wrote the book on it long before the Soviet union existed.
bass4funk
I think our governments pose a more existential threat towards humanity than a one Russia
But mainly Russia as the largest nuclear power nation.
Again, I think the U.S. and European governments are more concerning at this point and time
wallace
bass4funk
NATO exists for mutual protection against an external enemy.
Since Russia is not the enemy.
Should the US consider closing down its 800 overseas bases, reducing its military size to just what is necessary for defending the country, decommissioning unnecessary aircraft carriers, and cutting the defense budget by two-thirds?
Antiquesaving
And how did Iraq and Afghanistan become a threat?
Oh right, because the USA backed groups in Afghanistan including the taliban and backed Saddam Hussein in a war with Iran, leading to both becoming bigger threats!
So the USA created the problem in the first place!
bass4funk
I think our governments pose a more existential threat towards humanity than a one Russia
No, and the reason for that is because of the Islamic and Chinese threat that remains. I was specifically talking about Russia as a largest nuclear European nation.
wallace
Russia is also an Asian country. From Europe to the Japan Sea.