Japan's era of postwar pacifism coming to an end

[American Patriot]

Japan's era of postwar pacifism may be coming to an end

The creation of a 'dynamic defence capability' is an inevitable response to growing threats from North Korea and China

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  • Simon Tisdall
  • guardian.co.uk, Monday 13 December 2010 15.00 GMT
  • Article history
  
  

  

  Japan's prime minister, Naoto Kan, looks set to approve proposals that would lead to a more proactive military strategy. Photograph: Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images
  
  Japan is expected to adopt a more "dynamic" forward-leaning military posture, involving sophisticated new weaponry, mobile rapid-response units and closer security alliances with friendly countries, as part of a sweeping strategic defence review focused on real or potential threats from China and North Korea.
  
  
  Although the shift towards a more assertive military stance has been under discussion in Tokyo for some time, an angry maritime confrontation with China in September and the recent North Korean attack on South Korean territory have lent urgency to discussions on how to deal with the challenges both countries pose to Japan.
  
  
  At the same time, moves by Japan to break the bonds of its postwar pacifist constitution and take a more proactive military role both regionally and internationally are certain to ring alarm bells in neighbouring states, including modern-day de facto allies such as South Korea, which have not forgotten or forgiven the past.
  
  
  Japanese media reports suggest the review, which is expected this week and is the first update of the so-called "national defence programme guideline" for six years, will identify North Korea as a threat and categorise China's military activities as a concern. The Nikkei business daily said it would call for creation of a "dynamic defence capability" specifically tasked with deterring Chinese incursions around Japan's disputed southern islands, in part by mobilising units of Japan's self-defence force more rapidly.
  
  
  If the Democratic party prime minister, Naoto Kan, adopts the recommendations in full, Japan's submarine fleet could grow from 16 to 22 boats, the air force would gain additional advanced fighter jets and self-defence force troops will be redeployed south from Hokkaido, given the reduced threat from Russia.
  
  
  Defensive alliances with the US, Australia, India and even South Korea, stressing military integration and interoperability, may also be pursued under the plan. That would be welcomed by Washington, which has long pressed for greater burden-sharing. Following the North Korean attack, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff, called for a triple alliance between Japan, the US and South Korea.
  
  
  Worried about already strained relations, Kan has given assurances that the evolving strategy is not aimed at China, even though Beijing's military spending has almost quadrupled in the past 10 years. "To organise our own defence capabilities is something that our country certainly needs to do. This does not directly link to posing a threat to another country," Kan said.
  
  
  But the prime minister came under pressure to stand up to China after last September's incident, when a Chinese trawler apparently deliberately rammed a Japanese coastguard vessel. Kan's initial response was criticised as weak and his opinion poll ratings plunged. Ironically, Kan came to office last year pledging to push US forces out of a controversial base on Okinawa. Now he is cuddling ever closer to Washington, which has its own worries about Beijing.
  
  
  The new guidelines are expected to draw on recommendations produced last summer by a government-nominated panel of experts.
  
  
  
  According to Michael Auslin, director of Japan studies at the American Enterprise Institute, writing in the Wall Street Journal, the panel's ideas, if fully implemented, would "place Japan as firmly as it's ever been on the side of upholding the post-war international order… If the government follows these recommendations, it will become a force in creating a community of liberal interests in the Asia-Pacific region".
  
  
  That's exactly what some wary neighbours are worried about. Writing for the International Relations and Security Network, Axel Berkofsky of the Milan-based Istituto per gli Studi di Politica Internazionale said the panel's ideas had raised "quite a few eyebrows" among analysts.
  
  
  "The report recommended not only an upgrade for Japan's navy, coastguard and ballistic missile capabilities … but also a review of Japan's 'three non-nuclear principles,' which forbid the country from introducing, stockpiling and manufacturing nuclear weapons inside its borders."
  
  
  At least one of the principles has been routinely violated in the past by visiting nuclear-armed US ships. That said, Berkofsky predicted there would be no formal move to change Japan's policy on nuclear weapons – or to acquire offensive ballistic missiles designed to attack North Korea pre-emptively, as hawks would like. Fears of a return to Japanese militarism were wholly misplaced, he said.
  
  
  All the same, there's no doubt life is getting riskier in east Asia – and that Japan has little choice but to react, Berkofsky warned. "In a region where China continues to rapidly modernise its armed forces, and North Korea's missile and nuclear programmes remain top security concerns, Japan is responding in kind – just in case."
  

[catfish]

I was thinking about this subject last night but from a different perspective, food. Japan has agents in every major and minor fish market in the world, assuring a continual supply of food to its people. The oceans are being fished out. How long until countries are forced to protect their fisheries with force? It's already happening in some parts of the world.

[Malsua]

In some ways this is good for us. It can take the pressure off of our assets.

However, considering the Japanese penchant for Enema porn and multi-tentacled purple Hentai monsters raping young girls, I'm not sure how much I want Japan to project power.

[American Patriot]

I was thinking about this subject last night but from a different perspective, food. Japan has agents in every major and minor fish market in the world, assuring a continual supply of food to its people. The oceans are being fished out. How long until countries are forced to protect their fisheries with force? It's already happening in some parts of the world.

I would beg to differ with you Catfish, on the oceans being fished out. While there is certainly a lot of fishing going on, and the population of the world is increasing the oceans are still providing a lot of food.

The thing is, fish while not smart are forced to move to different grounds. They still breed and still show up in huge numbers.

I just was in the ocean a few months back and did some skin diving, both in reef areas (which are protected_) and non-reef areas where some fishing was on-going and I've honestly never been so impressed in my life as with the teeming life down below.

I saw things I've never seen on television for sure, and pretty large creatures down there to boot.

I won't say that there aren't less fish some times and in some areas, but I will certainly say I don't think the oceans will run out of life any time in the next 1000 years.

[American Patriot]

Japan will have a hard time projecting any power whatsoever what with a declining birthrate and large numbers of elderly, combined with an unwillingness in general to favor immigrants from other countries.

And for a second time, I will have to disagree...

Japan can project an enormous amount of power..... Japan works with the United States on defensive capabilities - which when used correctly can indeed project.

I can't tell you the fine details, but I certainly know they have worked with us in Missile Defense, and we have Patriot batteries there, as well as ships to help protect them. The fact is, if the crap explodes, we will be there giving Japan all it needs to be offensive.

[American Patriot]

In some ways this is good for us. It can take the pressure off of our assets.

However, considering the Japanese penchant for Enema porn and multi-tentacled purple Hentai monsters raping young girls, I'm not sure how much I want Japan to project power.

I'm not even going to ask how you KNOW about such things... /lol

[Malsua]

I'm not even going to ask how you KNOW about such things... /lol

guys talk, ya hear things.

I mean, there's a whole category of "Tentacle Hentai". Then you read about gross out porn and half of it is some young Japanese girl with yoohoo rocketing out of her ass. And I only looked for research reason (Roger Daltry defense)

[American Patriot]

I think the operative words here are; 'works with the United States'.....

But without us?

Well... without us, yeah. I dont know. I've seen the Japanese military. It's not as bad as folks like to make out.

[American Patriot]

guys talk, ya hear things.

I mean, there's a whole category of "Tentacle Hentai". Then you read about gross out porn and half of it is some young Japanese girl with yoohoo rocketing out of her ass. And I only looked for research reason (Roger Daltry defense)

Has anyone mentioned, "Mal, you ain't right!" lately? LOL

[Toad]

I'm 100% A-OK with Japan stepping past the post-war guilt and rebuilding a proper Military. The Japan of 2010/11 simply isn't the Japan of Pre-war and WWII. Yes, there's a few ultra-conservative nationalists nutballs out there who talk ugly, but every country has a few nuballs of every political stripe.

[American Patriot]

I'm 100% A-OK with Japan stepping past the post-war guilt and rebuilding a proper Military. The Japan of 2010/11 simply isn't the Japan of Pre-war and WWII. Yes, there's a few ultra-conservative nationalists nutballs out there who talk ugly, but every country has a few nuballs of every political stripe.

Alex Jones....

[Toad]

There's that 1st Amendment popping up again. It gives you the freedom of speech, but not freedom from the consiquences of that speech. Plus it let's us identify the idiots a lot easier.

[American Patriot]

I don't have a problem with his ability to have free speech. I have a problem with the man being a lying piece of shit. lol

[vector7]

Japan's Nuclear Armament Poll: 85% want Nukes!

"Japan's nuclear armament," about 2873 people in 14 days (2422 people men and 451 women) had responded.

The question here

"Japan should be armed with nuclear weapons" for the "favor" of 85%. "What can be done only in public debate" about 96 percent, "I think so," replied. Also, "What the United States to protect Japan in case of emergency" in question is a 78 percent "disagree" with the answers.

(1) should be nuclear-armed Japan

85% ← YES NO 15 →%

(2) or just done in public debate

96% ← YESNO 4 →%

(3) Do you think the United States in case of emergencies and to protect Japan

22% ← YES NO 78 →%

As a deterrent

Office worker man, Tokyo (53) "I want to tell you not allowed to own arguments why. If, what you do happens that. Man who suppress the debate, or will take responsibility only serve the consequences caused "

Nara self-employed men (40) "Nuclear deterrence is a mutual sense of diplomacy is to be a major weapon in the world. Japan's economic strength, it is unusual in not having better technology. As the core Even with the military but to think of that can be achieved without peace is a childish way of thinking too much "

Eti self-employed men (50) "Russia, China, North Korea and Japan and is surrounded by nuclear powers, these countries are not allies, at least. Territory, even nuclear deterrent to defend national consider "

Male office worker Osaka (23) "just as a deterrent to withdraw the three nonnuclear principles. [At least] not brought withdrew, should be able to deploy nuclear weapons on U.S. forces in Japan at any time"

Mie female office workers (52) "about the true security (Shin) 摯 (to) think that the time has come. Nuclear armament in order to be truly independent nation is necessary. May well be dependent on the United States, China It is also no lickable "

Male company employee Osaka (40) "nuclear weapons we should not. If you put enough money on useless weapons, used to secure conventional weapons and forces personnel. [But] as a deterrent to some would suggest, in a pinch, whether or not they have the same "

Male company employee in Tokyo (42) "and have their own nuclear bomb the only country, one will be lost Do not hesitate to currently held by non-State-owned"

Civil service men Ibaraki (37) "a nuclear-armed Japan, recognize the absolute U.S. that trigger a nuclear-armed neighbors, and economic sanctions, a good idea at the moment not. Can be armed with nuclear weapons at any time discuss and nuclear The preparations should ready"

Shiga self-employed men (43) "The real fear of nuclear weapons and the Chernobyl accident, and people living near nuclear test site in the world, known only to the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki"

Female self-employed Osaka (45) "I want to avoid if possible nuclear weapons. But do not change around the country, holdings will clinging on and on theory. First, countries that actively 働Kikakerubeki. What to do On the all nuclear weapons should be discussed "

- Japan's nuclear armament;

Sato cabinet in the late 1960s era, the secret government "nuclear weapons" and come to light that he had to consider the possibility of there having been considered informally, in recent years was "a discussion "The reality is that even a taboo. There are many ways for nuclear power, nuclear weapons from the United States under the provision in case of emergencies as a first step, "nuclear sharing" (NATO countries conducted) may claim opinion.

[vector7]

JAPAN BEEFS UP DEFENCE AGAINST EAST ASIA

Japan shifts defence focus 6:00 AM



TOKYO - JAPAN said on Friday it would shift its defence focus from the Soviet Cold War threat to southern islands nearer China, labelling the military build-up of its giant neighbour a global 'concern'.

Aside from boosting its southern forces and submarine fleet and upgrading its fighter jets, Japan will strengthen missile defences against the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea, it said in a major strategic review.

[vector7]

Japan Sounds the Alarm on China, Does the U.S. Hear It?

By William R. Hawkins | December 20, 2010

Japan has published its 2010 Defense White Paper. Minister of Defense Toshimi Kitazawa states in his introduction, “The security environment surrounding Japan is growing increasingly severe, as evidenced by North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues, the modernization of China’s armed forces, and the intensification of military activities by China and Russia.”

Tokyo has island territorial disputes with both Beijing and Moscow, and major military maneuvers were held by China and Russia during the summer. In response, the United States and Japan held joint exercises in the Sea of Japan to demonstrate the continued vitality of their 50 year alliance. The white paper notes the “Number of disputes in the so-called ‘gray zones’ (confrontations over territory, sovereignty and economic interests which have not escalated into wars) is on the increase.”

While a violent and unstable North Korea is the most immediate threat in the region, Tokyo sees the rise of China as the greater long term challenge. In the paper’s survey of the security environment, it states, “China, a major political and economic power with important clout, is gaining confidence in the international community and demonstrating a more proactive stance….China is increasing its activities in waters close to Japan. The lack of transparency in its national defense policies, and the military activities are a matter of concern for the region and the international community, including Japan, and need to be carefully analyzed.”

The paper notes China’s construction of submarines and surface ships, its interest in building aircraft carriers, the ‘mass production” of the J-10 fourth generation fighter, and the development of a fifth generation fighter. Beijing is also building its own version of the Russian Su-27 fighter and importing the Su-30 which is armed for the anti-shipping role and could form the core of an aircraft carrier wing. China is deploying more ballistic missiles of all ranges while upgrading its own air and missile defense systems.

There is a map showing the military strength of all the powers in Northeast Asia; troops, warships and aircraft. What is interesting is that the map does not just cover Japan, China, Russia, North and South Korea and U.S. forward based units, but also Taiwan. And there is a section of the report devoted to Taiwan’s defenses, with the worrying conclusion that the balance of power is shifting towards the Beijing regime against the democratic island which the Communists have vowed to conquer. Taiwan was long a colony of Japan and there remains a strong affinity between the people of the two countries.

Japan will redeploy forces to its southwestern islands and strengthen its air force in Okinawa to meet the Chinese threat. It will also build more warships (including submarines) and combat aircraft, and strengthen missile defenses. The paper states, “The Japan-U.S. Alliance is indispensable in ensuring for Japan’s peace and security” but also notes that a “Global shift in the balance of power has been brought about by the rise of emerging powers and relative change in the U.S. influence”– meaning the relative decline of America as China has grown.

The White Paper gives the impression that Prime Minister Naoto Kan is taking the situation in Asia much more seriously than is President Barack Obama. Daniel Blumenthal is the Resident Fellow in Asian Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. He served in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs during the George W. Bush administration and now sits on the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission. Recently, he has written.

Assessments of the military competition between China and the United States are badly needed but mostly missing. Our security elites and scholars are inhibited in thinking seriously about rivalry with China…. This is a big mistake. When it comes to Sino-American relations, the first job of our political leaders is to gauge our relative power against China’s and to make the necessary adjustment to ensure our advantage.

The Obama administration is failing in this duty. While the U.S. flexed its muscles in the Sea of Japan and the South China Sea during the summer, and finally got up the nerve to deploy a carrier group into the Yellow Sea against Chinese protests, it is not making the defense investments in new warships and aircraft that are necessary to maintain a clear advantage against a rapidly rising China.

Consider the opening statement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke at the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade on Dec. 15, “There are so many areas of mutual interest for the U.S. and China to pursue. There is joint research to be done on energy and environmental problems; commercial cooperation to be had between our businesses; and a responsibility for us to spur innovation, not only to create jobs and opportunity; but to deal with global challenges like climate change, poverty, disease and economic inequality.” One would never know from Locke that a primary function of Chinese innovation is to build better weapons to aim at American forces. Indeed, the main demand of the Chinese delegation at the JCCT talks was that Washington lift its export controls on “dual use” technology so that Beijing could gain access to more ways to improve its military hardware and weapons production capabilities.

Defense news in the United States continues to be bad. Cracks have been found in the aluminum superstructure of all 22 of the Navy’s Ticonderoga-class cruisers. These ships were build during the years 1983-1994 and are another sign of how much America still depends on the Reagan legacy. No cruisers have been built since, nor are any in the works. This means that the Sovremenny-class cruisers China bought from Russia (delivered in 2000-2001) are newer than any American cruiser. The 600-ship fleet that President Ronald Reagan envisioned now numbers only 288 ships.

The deficit review commission wants weapons programs axed, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates has already cut hundreds of projects and is planning more reductions even in the most high priority areas. He capped the F-22 air superiority fighter at 187 aircraft, ending the program just as it was getting into gear. He now wants further cuts in the F-35 joint strike fighter program after already reducing production by 122 aircraft over the next five years. Cutting back the defense industry during a recession is bad for the economy as well as for national security; whereas building equipment the country needs is good for both. But such fundamental logic is lost in the fantasy world of liberalism.

China and Japan, of course, are not products of the liberal ideology that has eaten away at the noble traditions that generated five centuries of Western dominance in world affairs. In a recent column, Columbia University professor Mark Lilla recalled talking to a Chinese exchange student about his study of Western philosophy. The student had a very pragmatic view of the subject, “I think it very important we study Romans, not just Greeks. Romans built an empire over many centuries. We must learn from them.”

Americans must also learn from history, for the world remains the very dangerous place it has always been.