Japan Flexes its muscle

[timetraveller]

Rather interesting article on Shinzo Abe Chief Cabinet Secetary on his looming Leadership contest to gain Control of the Liberal Democratic Party LDP , Which controls the Preimer's post . Could be one to watch ...?

Whats your thoughts ..





http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2361311,00.html

[Kitsune]

This is very interesting. But in my opinion one thing is certain: once Japan has beefed up its military, the Japanese foreign policy will become more independent from the US unless an continous aggressive Chinese/Korean stance against Japan takes place. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the US, one should be more careful to encourage that move. On the other side, an understanding attitude towards a more militarist Japan might better serve the Chinese interests than any saber-rattling. After all, the island nation of Japan will not really be in a position to truly prevent Chinese predominance in East Asia in the long run.

[CruddyLeper]

MY thoughts? Well, before he gets in to power, he would have to win a fair slice of support from the Japanese electorate. I'm not sure if they are ready for him. North Korea's current stance certainly is helping a lot. It may be that, should he fail to get the support, his stance might force other politicians into adopting a more pro military stance.

Last I heard, Japanese Navy was planning a couple of ASW carriers... interesting to see if that's carried through or expanded upon.

One thing that consistently amazes me is the war that China constantly backbites about Japanese WW2 conduct while doing enormous amounts of trade with the Japanese. Perhaps that is one aspect that the US is hoping comes to fruition - Japanese harden their attitude, China backs off the economic deals, which weakens China.

[gaijinsamurai]

Interesting article. Abe is almost certain to become the next Japanese prime minister. Funny thing, is here in Japan, he's not really considered to be right-wing or ultra-nationalistic. My thoughts are that most Japanese don't really support current Prime Minister Koizumi's visits to Yasukune Shrine, and genuinely want better relations with China and South Korea, but are fed up with North Korea's attitude towards the abduction of Japanese citizens. As far as the modifications of the Japanese constitutional clause which prohibits a military (as opposed to the current "Self Defence Forces"), most see that as inevitable, especially after the recent deployment of Japanese "soldiers" to Iraq, at Bush's request.

[Ordie]

One thing that consistently amazes me is the war that China constantly backbites about Japanese WW2 conduct while doing enormous amounts of trade with the Japanese. Perhaps that is one aspect that the US is hoping comes to fruition - Japanese harden their attitude, China backs off the economic deals, which weakens China.

In China, Chinese Nationalism has replaced Communist Idealology as the "glue" to keep the country together. The current government in China, is keenly aware of the excesses of this growing nationalist sino-centric pride. As with the Red Guards, the government has little or no influence to quell these feelings.

[budgie]

Abe is certainly more ballsy and I disagree with is apologist bent in regards to WWII, but I wouldn't call him a dangerous nationalist. In fact the US Japan alliance is a cornerstone of Abe's plans to beef up the military. They certainly need stronger forces to protect themselves from a growing Chinese nationalism and from any rogue behaviour from North Korea. But Asian fears that Japan will go on some Imperial rampage again are unfounded.

While Japan can remain strong enough to protect itself from China, nobody is going to be strong enough to actually challenge China. That's the difference between a little more muscle and resurgent militarism.

[XShipRider]

Abe wants to go further. His priority is to change Japan’s constitution, written by the Americans after 1945, to allow its armed forces to act in collective self-defence alongside the US.

It's about time. Japan's ability to shoulder it's own defense could be
positive for the US. This would allow some US assets to be redeployed
to other areas. I'm not sure this is what the Pentagon would want to
do since Japan allows such proximal basing with relation to North Korea
and China.

[Ordie]

Ironically, the PRC prefers that the US remain in Japan as a means to keep the Government and JMSDF in check.

The Koreans (North/South) once again see themselves as a buffer between the two. Unlike Japan, there are no restrictions for the Koreans to build up its military and create a deterrence. For the North Koreans, its missiles. For the South Koreans its building an impressive blue water navy, gaining valuable experiences in Iraq, and setting up a domestic production of light attack and fighter planes.