Japan changes its pacifist constitution

[decaro]

"Japan’s coalition government has approved a controversial reinterpretation of the nation’s pacifist constitution that will let its troops fight overseas for the first time since the Second World War ..."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world ... 77158.html

[Zap]

The reality of world powers nearby that region who are aggressors. Japan is making a necessary change

[U2]

Finally.

[Qwixt]

Yep, brought about by China getting frisky.

[gradenko2k]

They already have carriers larger than the Iwo Jima class and Aegis equipped destroyers. Sounds like a great potential scenario for CMANO

[t001001001]

The United States has guaranteed their defense since ww2 ended. Now, they're probably somewhat concerned about that. Lets face it: "We lead from the rear" isn't very encouraging to our protectorates. So its in their own self preservation to beef up domestic armed forces.

Probably too political for this venue, but I don't see how this can be discussed w/o mentioning how completely adrift American foreign policy has become. The bottom line is - they no longer trust America and I don't blame im.

[decaro]

ORIGINAL: t001001001

The United States has guaranteed their defense since ww2 ended. Now, they're probably somewhat concerned about that. Lets face it: "We lead from the rear" isn't very encouraging to our protectorates. So its in their own self preservation to beef up domestic armed forces.

Probably too political for this venue, but I don't see how this can be discussed w/o mentioning how completely adrift American foreign policy has become. The bottom line is - they no longer trust America and I don't blame im.

+1

[Zap]

ORIGINAL: Joe D.

ORIGINAL: t001001001

The United States has guaranteed their defense since ww2 ended. Now, they're probably somewhat concerned about that. Lets face it: "We lead from the rear" isn't very encouraging to our protectorates. So its in their own self preservation to beef up domestic armed forces.

Probably too political for this venue, but I don't see how this can be discussed w/o mentioning how completely adrift American foreign policy has become. The bottom line is - they no longer trust America and I don't blame im.

+1

+2

[gradenko2k]

The expansion of the JSDF predates any major foreign policy shifts of the current administration. As well, the administration has pivoted towards a focus on Asia rather than away from it, so it does not follow that Japan may suddenly be feeling less protected.

[parusski]

ORIGINAL: Zap

ORIGINAL: Joe D.

ORIGINAL: t001001001

The United States has guaranteed their defense since ww2 ended. Now, they're probably somewhat concerned about that. Lets face it: "We lead from the rear" isn't very encouraging to our protectorates. So its in their own self preservation to beef up domestic armed forces.

Probably too political for this venue, but I don't see how this can be discussed w/o mentioning how completely adrift American foreign policy has become. The bottom line is - they no longer trust America and I don't blame im.

+1

+2

+3

[Qwixt]

As a US citizen, it's annoying to pay for and guarantee another sovereign nation's security. I know why Japan is a special case, but if Germany can unify, then Japan can protect its own borders at this point.

[SteveD64]

Japan (the third largest economy in the world) spends 1% of it's GDP on it's military. That should go up, good to see some self reliance.

[decaro]

ORIGINAL: gradenko_2000

The expansion of the JSDF predates any major foreign policy shifts of the current administration. As well, the administration has pivoted towards a focus on Asia rather than away from it, so it does not follow that Japan may suddenly be feeling less protected.

" The Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, says the new strategy, widely viewed as the biggest change to Japan’s defence posture in nearly 70 years, is needed to deal with growing threats in the Asia-Pacific region."

[Mobius]

More and bigger props for Godzilla movies.

[radic202]

Can someone enlighten me here? I was always under the impression that Japan has no Military per se: only a militia limited in numbers by their constitution (a la treaty of Versailles kind of thing). A well learned Forum Member could please set me right? And how large is their Air/Naval/Army if they are allowed to be called that?

Thanks in advance,

[t001001001]

[Aurelian]

ORIGINAL: radic202


Can someone enlighten me here? I was always under the impression that Japan has no Military per se: only a militia limited in numbers by their constitution (a la treaty of Versailles kind of thing). A well learned Forum Member could please set me right? And how large is their Air/Naval/Army if they are allowed to be called that?

Thanks in advance,

The JSDF isn't all that big. I've read somewhere that it's less than 300,000. Oh, the three branches are the Japan Ground/Maritime/Air Self Defense Force.

They're an all volunteer force.

[SuluSea]

ORIGINAL: t001001001

The United States has guaranteed their defense since ww2 ended. Now, they're probably somewhat concerned about that. Lets face it: "We lead from the rear" isn't very encouraging to our protectorates. So its in their own self preservation to beef up domestic armed forces.

Probably too political for this venue, but I don't see how this can be discussed w/o mentioning how completely adrift American foreign policy has become. The bottom line is - they no longer trust America and I don't blame im.

The government has shown itself to be a bully domestically and recreant on the world stage. If our friends and allies are afraid or concerned they are wise.

[gradenko2k]

The BLM refusing to engage Cliven Bundy - domestic bully
Successful prosecution of a conflict against Muammar Ghadaffi - recreant on the world stage

Handing over authorization of Syrian intervention to Congress - domestic bully
Re-establishment of Subic Bay as a USN base as part of a strategic pivot to Asia - recreant on the world stage

[SuluSea]

ORIGINAL: gradenko_2000

The BLM refusing to engage Cliven Bundy - domestic bully
Successful prosecution of a conflict against Muammar Ghadaffi - recreant on the world stage

Handing over authorization of Syrian intervention to Congress - domestic bully
Re-establishment of Subic Bay as a USN base as part of a strategic pivot to Asia - recreant on the world stage

See IRS, spying on law abiding Americans, seizing of land, treatment of any whistleblower (VA in particular) Pull your head out of the sand.

History has shown removing tyrants such as Saddam Hussein
and Ghadaffi has caused the region to be unstable. Both parties have made mistakes.

Lets hope the current administration doesn't draw a "red line" in Asia or the Pacific.