Iwaya raises 'serious concerns' over China military buildup

Japanese tax payer raises serious concern to where budget being used every year.

As a Japanese resident and tax payer, I object to the American military buildup in Okinawa.

And I'll bet China has serious concerns about the military build up of Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Korea. What's the point?

TamaramaToday  08:15 am JST

As a Japanese resident and tax payer, I object to the American military buildup in Okinawa.

The American military is drawing down its forces in Okinawa, not building them up.

every coin have two sides...how abt to talk abt chinese concerns from american build up in Japan?

yes I mean places where out taxes are dearly wasted...

Merry Christmas. Ditch the USA aircraft carrier and Marines and then there could be fruitful discussions in this area.

The American military is drawing down its forces in Okinawa, not building them up.

Do you know how many military facilities the US has in Okinawa?

32, over nearly 19,000 hectares, manned by 25,000 odd people.

I don't know what their rate of reduction is, but the number of US aircraft flying around that island is wild.

If I were Chinese, I'd be very concerned about that.

> > Iwaya raises 'serious concerns'

This is classic procedure from Washington. Chances are Iwaya and Wang had a friendly and productive exchange of opinions. But then the US Department has to intervene because it feels threatened that if “good relationships and deeds” will prevail for the two neighbor countries, the American arms orders will subside. This is when the US military industrial complex intervenes, so they come up with these headlines for complaint media. It happens every day if you watch Japanese TV news.

TamaramaToday  08:40 am JST

The American military is drawing down its forces in Okinawa, not building them up.

Do you know how many military facilities the US has in Okinawa?

32, over nearly 19,000 hectares, manned by 25,000 odd people.

I don't know what their rate of reduction is, but the number of US aircraft flying around that island is wild.

If I were Chinese, I'd be very concerned about that.

Those US forces have been there for almost 80 years, and have been crucial to delivering peace, freedom and great prosperity to societies that had be wracked by destructive war for a generation, including Japan. Why is China only now "very concerned" about them? They haven't piped up until lately. In fact, those US forces are still guaranteeing freedom and prosperity to the nation where you live and pay taxes. Some people understand that freedom is not free, and appeasing a brutal one-party dictatorship has never worked out well. Some people don't understand that very well.

Those US forces have been there for almost 80 years, and have been crucial to delivering peace, freedom and great prosperity to societies that had be wracked by destructive war for a generation, including Japan. Why is China only now "very concerned" about them? They haven't piped up until lately. In fact, those US forces are still guaranteeing freedom and prosperity to the nation where you live and pay taxes. Some people understand that freedom is not free, and appeasing a brutal one-party dictatorship has never worked out well. Some people don't understand that very well.

Kuribozu

war have ended in 1945 today is almost end of 2024.Soviet army have left eastern Europe in 90ies while NATO have expanded and americans have stayed both in Europe and Japan.Let me ask WHY?

If you honestlly believe that they are wanted and needed badly here as some wall against agressive neigbours let me ask simple question-why Japan still need waste taxes for JSDF since paying dearly for their protectors from USA?

Any good reply?

As a Japanese resident and tax payer, I object to the American military buildup in Okinawa.

Whatever your opinion of the US presence in Okinawa, and despite your taxes paid, you are a foreign resident who has the convenient option to leave the country should China ever attack. As am I. For that reason, I don't demand as a taxpayer that the Japanese defend themselves in a way I approve of. You don't have enough skin in the game. Become a Japanese citizen and renounce any other citizenship you have and then your opinion will carry more weight.

Name another country hosting 50,000+ foreign troops? Look in the mirror, Japan.

commanteer

I believe that, whether you are a Japanese citizen or a foreign resident leaving in Japan or Asia, does not matter. Paying billions of dollars to buy American military equipment and having to endure a biased propaganda about the “Chinese threat” is distressing and sad to say the least for Japanese taxpayers. There are more important and urgent things to face, critical social issues, rather than boosting and supplement the paycheck of the US lobbies in the weapons industry. If you have a basic understanding of economy this is what is happening on the US financial markets, rising to historical records despite the huge geopolitical instability all over the globe.

deanzaZZRToday  09:50 am JST

Name another country hosting 50,000+ foreign troops? Look in the mirror, Japan.

Needed only because of an unfriendly dictatorship next door maintains a 2,035,000 active personnel military, the largest in the world. Look in thhe mirror China.

@OA That is interesting that you say that as the USA bases in Japan have been used to wage wars in Korea, Southeast Asia and other areas long before China had any credible Air Force or navy to project power into international airspace and waters.

TamaramaToday 08:15 am JST

As a Japanese resident and tax payer, I object to the American military buildup in Okinawa.

Well yes, you are okay with a Chinese occupation of everything.

TamaramaToday 08:40 am JST

If I were Chinese, I'd be very concerned about that.

If you were a peaceful, law-abiding Chinese, you should have no concerns about the US bases, as the US (just like every other country in Asia and beyond) has zero intention of attacking China.

Sadly, China has every intention of doing harm to its neighbors, with an official policy of annexing Taiwan, the Senkakus, and most of the South China Sea, and it is committing acts of violence against countries like the Philippines right now.

The US bases are all 100% legal under international law, and there with the consent of the host nations. Contrast that with China's 100% illegal South China Sea bases, and aggressive conduct.

deanzaZZRToday 08:40 am JST

Ditch the USA aircraft carrier and Marines and then there could be fruitful discussions in this area.

Just after the CCP ditches its illegal South China Sea bases, withdraws to its legal borders, drops its threats to Taiwan and the Senkakus, drops its farcical 9/10-dash line claim, stops attacking shipping and harassing aircraft, etc. etc. etc.

Then, there "might" be some fruitful discussions.

dobre vam zajebavaToday 09:22 am JST

Soviet army have left eastern Europe in 90ies

Sadly to be replaced by the invading Russian army.

while NATO have expanded and americans have stayed both in Europe and Japan. Let me ask WHY?

To guard against the Russian menace that they see every day in Ukraine, plus in other countries that Russia has stolen bits of, like Georgia.

Meanwhile Japan extend visas for Chinese entering Japan. Talking about giving service and also taking it up the….

Japanese politicians are so useless.

7thPatriarch

Starting with the bellicose headline and then dredging up irrelevant aspects of the past that the two countries are trying to move past

Somebody would say "Its the economy, stupid!".

The departing US administration has signed $14 billions dollars of weapons made in USA to Asia in the last two months, orders easily traceable, to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Therefore the spin of "China threat" is a must, and that is what is generating the commissions for the usual suspects

The Japan Times presents the story as “Japan's top diplomat visits China as a step toward mending ties”.

He knew the Chinese side will never concerning his serious concerns from Japan, a vassal nation and puppet of a foreign occupying force!

elephant200Today 11:27 am JST

He knew the Chinese side will never concerning his serious concerns from Japan, a vassal nation and puppet of a foreign occupying force!

China will receive Japanese diplomats like a big boy.

FosToday 11:16 am JST

Starting with the bellicose headline and then dredging up irrelevant aspects of the past that the two countries are trying to move past

Somebody would say "Its the economy, stupid!".

The departing US administration has signed $14 billions dollars of weapons made in USA to Asia in the last two months, orders easily traceable, to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Therefore the spin of "China threat" is a must, and that is what is generating the commissions for the usual suspects

And that is a good thing as collectively we need the capability to throw a 1.4 billion kg gorilla back.

Fair trade promotes confidence trust.

A sound rules based business relationship between nations having past historic grievances, can build firm solid foundations furnishing, supporting secure meaningful diplomatic relations.

Action, as ever, speak loader than words.

Behaviours, the constant need Xi Jinping to harass, to humiliate, the intimidation, demands, the incursions.

The insistence that the east and south China seas, are government of China sole property, essential global trade shipping routes.

Actions, clear evidence of government of China intention to dominate, to seize if deemed necessary, by military force.

Those fortified south China sea sand castles, proof that sooner or later dictator Xi Jinping will provoke through blockade confrontation/war.

Itsonlyrockandroll

Those fortified south China sea sand castles, proof that sooner or later dictator Xi Jinping will provoke through blockade confrontation

I know, it is far easy to quote US military dispatches, but I would stick to historical facts. SCI-FI movies are not everyone cup of tea, and there are more legit ways to earn a living. History once again teach us that United States of America is the most aggressive country in the world. Given the US spends more on defence than the next ten countries combined, and has surrounded China with dozens of hostile military bases, no-one should be surprised that Beijing has responded to a growing sovereign threat.

Hypocrite. If sincere, and you want people to listen to you? Earn some credibility first. When America, which is thousand of miles away, increase their military presence here, say something. Then tell them they have too many bases around here. Then perhaps, tell them to send all their troops back to America. Etc, Then perhaps, you will not come across as a poppet.

Mr. Foreign Minister should first take stock of the number of US military bases and troops stationed in Japan.

TIAN TERRYToday 01:41 pm JST

Mr. Foreign Minister should first take stock of the number of US military bases and troops stationed in Japan.

I'm sure he has.

And, knowing the threat from China, he'd probably like to increase the numbers.

Some people understand that freedom is not free, and appeasing a brutal one-party dictatorship has never worked out well.

China's one party dictatorship is working out nicely. The same with the Deep State. You cannot be a superpower without dictating with authority. The U.S. is not an exception.

Then perhaps, you will not come across as a poppet.

They're not really puppets. They're still occupied. What can they do? Tell the U.S. to leave. They don't have the power to do so.

“Japan's top diplomat visits China as a step toward mending ties”.

By the Japanese media, this was a positive step in the two countries' relations. The angle of the article shows an insecure third wheel watching its increasing insignificance.

Paying billions of dollars to buy American military equipment and having to endure a biased propaganda about the “Chinese threat” is distressing and sad to say the least for Japanese taxpayers. 

It's sad but Japan doesn't really have a choice. They just pay because they know they have to pay. I find the Germans and the Japanese still have the WWII loser mentality.

quercetumToday 03:29 pm JST

Some people understand that freedom is not free, and appeasing a brutal one-party dictatorship has never worked out well.

China's one party dictatorship is working out nicely. The same with the Deep State. You cannot be a superpower without dictating with authority. The U.S. is not an exception.

US elections may be wonky and partly nonsensical, but no one credibly asserts they don't follow the rules and have near universal suffrage. China remains a dictatorship in the way the US doesn't come close to.

FosToday 12:31 pm JST

Those fortified south China sea sand castles, proof that sooner or later dictator Xi Jinping will provoke through blockade confrontation

I know, it is far easy to quote US military dispatches, but I would stick to historical facts. SCI-FI movies are not everyone cup of tea, and there are more legit ways to earn a living. History once again teach us that United States of America is the most aggressive country in the world. Given the US spends more on defence than the next ten countries combined, and has surrounded China with dozens of hostile military bases, no-one should be surprised that Beijing has responded to a growing sovereign threat.

And no one should be surprised that the free countries off of China's coast don't therefore consider China a threat. Also US bases not growing in 70 years.

FosToday 09:55 am JST

I believe that, whether you are a Japanese citizen or a foreign resident leaving in Japan or Asia, does not matter. Paying billions of dollars to buy American military equipment and having to endure a biased propaganda about the “Chinese threat” is distressing and sad to say the least for Japanese taxpayers. There are more important and urgent things to face, critical social issues, rather than boosting and supplement the paycheck of the US lobbies in the weapons industry. If you have a basic understanding of economy this is what is happening on the US financial markets, rising to historical records despite the huge geopolitical instability all over the globe.

Still China belligerence and Still 1% of gdp.

yesterday:

Japan and China reaffirmed in a series of high-level talks in Beijing on Wednesday that they will promote "strategic and mutually beneficial" relations, highlighting their regional and global responsibilities amid continuing bilateral tensions.

today:

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on Wednesday raised "serious concerns" over China's military buildup as he met counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, Tokyo said.

deanzaZZRToday  10:08 am JST

@OA That is interesting that you say that as the USA bases in Japan have been used to wage wars in Korea, Southeast Asia and other areas long before China had any credible Air Force or navy to project power into international airspace and waters.

Between 1950-1953, China sent 2,970,000 troops to North Korea to kill UN troops from 21 countries. In support of North Korea which unilaterally attacked South Korea.

quercetumToday  03:31 pm JST

Then perhaps, you will not come across as a poppet.

They're not really puppets. They're still occupied. What can they do? Tell the U.S. to leave. They don't have the power to do so.

Fact Check:

Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan, can be terminated by either side. The treaty includes a provision for withdrawal or termination under Article X which states that either party may terminate the treaty by providing one year's written notice to the other party.

Kuribozu

In fact, those US forces are still guaranteeing freedom and prosperity to the nation where you live and pay taxes. Some people understand that freedom is not free, and appeasing a brutal one-party dictatorship has never worked out well.

I don't recall at any point, a Chinese threat that they will attack Japan, with or without a US Military presence. Can you point to one? And the notion that one nation needs to pay an other to 'guarantee' freedom sounds a little like the workings and mentality of The Mob, or the Yakuza to me. Kind of like hired thugs. It just don't smell right. Apart from it being total nonsense.

TINC

Well yes, you are okay with a Chinese occupation of everything.

Please provide one shred of evidence that China intends to occupy Japan. Just one. I eagerly await your findings.

isabelle

You are so terrified by the Great Tiger of the East that I suggest you head to Okinawa. You will feel very safe indeed down there.

Bold is a nice touch. Had USA forces stopped at the 48th parallel there would have been zero PVA defensive intervention. Add in USA nuclear weapons threats and the outcome was completely predictable.

I have only taken up some study of the Korean conflict recently and the arrogance, racism and stupidity of USA military leadership is astounding.

UN action? Beijing wasn’t a member as Chiang was America’s man.

deanzaZZRToday 05:12 pm JST

Bold is a nice touch. Had USA forces stopped at the 48th parallel there would have been zero PVA defensive intervention.

Given Mao had let his dog off of the leash it made perfect sense to try to eliminate it as a threat.

I have only taken up some study of the Korean conflict recently and the arrogance, racism and stupidity of USA military leadership is astounding.

The UN turned the full force of China back in that war.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Killer

UN action? Beijing wasn’t a member as Chiang was America’s man.

You mean Peking was petulantly unable to be part of the UN while Taiwan couldn't be memory holed.

TamaramaToday 05:12 pm JST

I don't recall at any point, a Chinese threat that they will attack Japan, with or without a US Military presence. Can you point to one?

They certainly rolled out the red carpet for the lamb Tamaki.

And the notion that one nation needs to pay an other to 'guarantee' freedom sounds a little like the workings and mentality of The Mob, or the Yakuza to me. Kind of like hired thugs. It just don't smell right. Apart from it being total nonsense.

Japan doesn't want to be a full fledged power with nukes. Maybe that will change at some point, but for now they need the nuclear umbrella.

A reminder of history class for those early risers, since the dialogue and diplomacy are the key objectives between Asian countries and China, as opposed to the dangerous warmongering of the United States of America, who does not even belong to the continent, yet controls hundreds of military bases which constitute a danger for the peace and stability of the region, since the US administration keeps inciting tensions with their constant sale of weapons ($14 billions in the last 2 month by the departing administration)

China has not been engaged in military activity for the past forty years. In that time, the US has overthrown numerous governments and illegally invaded many countries. China has a large and diverse population in areas such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It has land borders with fourteen other countries.

China, it is true, now has the world’s second largest military budget, as part of an extensive modernisation program. Its current defence spending has risen steadily in recent years, but is one third of the budget allocation for defence which the Biden Administration submitted to Congress earlier this year.

The US has over 800 overseas bases including in Guam, Diego Garcia, ROK and Japan that ring China. The US fleet, with Australia, South Korea and Japan support, regularly patrols off the China coast. The US would have hysterics if Chinese vessels patrolled off the Californian coast and the Florida Keys. Or if China had B-52 type aircraft based in Mexico.

Defining China a “threat” is historically incorrect, unless you follow the narrative of the usual suspects that define the alleged skirmished with Filipinos fishermen a danger to a sovereign nation.

A reminder for those with selective takeaways from history class: China belligerence in the SCS, the Taiwan strait, and the Senkakus is well documented. The US presence of 70 years is carefully calibrated and below proportionate to the threat.

APatriot

….the US does far more good than bad around the world.

Certainly good commissions for the warlords in Wall Street, no wonder the US financial markets are on all time high. Over $100 millions of lethal weapons sent to Ukraine, at what price after almost 3 years? Hundreds of thousands of death and a destroyed country. 

$20 billions to Israel for the mass killings of tens of thousands of innocent children and women in Gaza, the UN says, and, as if it is not enough, more attempts to destabilize another continent by pleasing the top 5 world manufacturers, all Americans with their earnings. You have a strange definition of good deeds

FosToday  06:02 pm JST

Defining China a “threat” is historically incorrect, 

As long as China refuses to denounce the use of force to take Taiwan, and withdraws from it's actions designed to facilitate that threat, defining China as being a "threat" is absolutely correct.

"Historically" is meangless since China deceived the world until a decade or so ago with their Peaceful Rise lie.

"China wants to annex Taiwan for regional 'hegemony': President Lai

https://focustaiwan.tw/cross-strait/202409020017

Book recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/Hegemon-Chinas-Plan-Dominate-World/dp/1893554082?asc_campaign=e65ddf71f21a9d17cc1655a4a23c5773&asc_source=01JDJ44KXWDW5TF76QYMPRXBMM&tag=namespacejp-22

OssanAmerica

As long as China refuses to denounce the use of force to take Taiwan

Nice try, I've read that Blackrock newswire too, they are just trying to ship more orders from the weapon industry they control in Wall Street. I heard they pay good commissions if you generate enough interest on the book sales. The introduction is written by Donald Rumsfeld I believe, the same one of the Abu Grahib prison scandal and the alleged Weapons of Mass destruction in Iraq

quercetumToday 03:29 pm JST

China's one party dictatorship is working out nicely.

Oh, yes: just ask the Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Inner Mongolians, and anyone else in China being oppressed by the CCP (which is just about everyone).

TamaramaToday 05:12 pm JST

You are so terrified by the Great Tiger of the East

No-one is terrified; everyone is sensibly preparing for the worst. You see, totalitarian states just cannot be trusted, and tend to attack people and steal things due to vanity and petulance.

And that is to the detriment of both the people they attack, and their "own" people. Sadly, those that parrot their propaganda don't seem to realize this.

FosToday 06:02 pm JST

China has not been engaged in military activity for the past forty years.

You try this line every time, and every time it is shot down. China is engaged in military activity right now in the South China Sea and Northern India.

United States of America, who does not even belong to the continent, yet controls hundreds of military bases

Which are all 100% legal, and requested by the host nations. Unlike China's 100% illegal South China Sea bases.

which constitute a danger for the peace and stability of the region

Which constitute a highly welcome check on China's ambitions for domination.

since the US administration keeps inciting tensions with their constant sale of weapons

Weapons that countries request from the US, to guard against threats like China and Russia. If you stop your threats, the weapons sales would decrease. It's quite a simple equation, but still you don't seem to understand.

Defining China a “threat” is historically incorrect

Risible nonsense. The experiences of Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Tibet, Korea, etc. etc. etc. prove you wrong.

Do you even believe this trash you constantly post?

Generally, the harder people have to defend a country, the more that country needs defending.

Ever wonder why, just as a few examples, Denmark, Switzerland, New Zealand, Portugal, etc. don't need a Ministry of Troll Farm, employing thousands of trolls to defend the motherland?

Yet Russia and China seem to have something like one bootlicker per thousand people, and with their populations that's a lot of bootlickers, who are presumably paid well enough to simply deny that their country is anything less than perfect.

That's also a sign of being in a cult, BTW: inability to take reasonable criticism.

Some Dude

Nice try, as usual find a way to escape confrontation. There is not a single Chinese or Russia. weapon in the ongoing mass killing in Gaza. Is it? They are all American. You are right, how can you defend the indefensible?

Apatriots

Troops safe and stock market at all time high.

A sentence which defines the usual suspects.

A reminder that US military Spending in 2023 was over $900 billions, contributing 68% of Nato's total expenditure, more than 3 times as much as China. 

Yet in the suspects narrative, it’s China that seek world domination and is the biggest threat to world peace, not the United States

The US is trying to advance its "Indo-Pacific" strategy to contain China, fanning the flames in the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan Straits and South China Sea.

The only military risk that we face from China is if we continue as a proxy for the US in its endless wars. 

Asia wants to have commercial relationships with China more than the warmongering proposals of Washington

.There is not a single Chinese or Russia. weapon in the ongoing mass killing in Gaza. Is it? They are all American.

I didn't mention America. If you're looking for me to defend them, I'm not that bothered as I'm not from there. I see America as pretty grey: good parts and bad parts. More of the good, for now at least.

However, the people killing Ukrainians, and the people oppressing anyone who dares exist in a way that The Party doesn't approve of, are not American.

Isabelle 

Risible nonsense

I agree with you. It’s kind of depressing having to remind basic history facts which obviously clash with the US military dispatch that you quote. Preserving the interests of warlords in Wall Street, not only is morally wrong, I think you already know, also does not coincide with the actual truth. I think most of our readers figured it out.

Fos,

China Island Tracker

China has 20 outposts in the Paracel Islands and 7 in the Spratlys. It also controls Scarborough Shoal, which it seized in 2012, via a constant coast guard presence, though it has not built any facilities on the feature. Since 2013, China has engaged in unprecedented dredging and artificial island-building in the Spratlys, creating 3,200 acres of new land, along with a substantial expansion of its presence in the Paracels.

https://amti.csis.org/island-tracker/china/

The government of China, President Xi Jinping have invested trillions of dollars developing these fortified heavily armed, primarily intended for warfare, to secure/seizing global trading shipping routes essential for the regions economics.

Fos, you contend United States of America is the most aggressive country in the world?,

I suggest with clear evidence, President Xi Jinping despot regime provoked by actions, intentions that will ultimately lead to Armageddon.

The Government of Japan have every reason to feel intimidated, to take preventive action.

*

Some dude

I am no accusing you personally or defending anything, let that be America’s actions, China or Russia arguments. I don’t read the above countries press as I don’t speak the language, and neither I would, as I am not interested in military dispatches, whichever country they come from. I am not invested in the stock market, I think is morally wrong to speculate on arms dealers. What I do read and analyze is history books, past relations in the geographical areas amongst local populations, research on geopolitics. And I can tell you that are quite distant from the Western compliant media. Whether is Eastern Europe, Iran, or Taiwan, there is a total disconnect from perceived reality. That’s all I have to say

itsonlyrocknroll

Many thanks for the update. Did you read my previous post which states something which can be easily checked?

The U.S. controls about 800 bases in more than 90 countries worldwide, some of them circle China.

So: how 20 Chinese outposts can compete with 800 US military bases spread all over the globe?

What I do read and analyze is history books, past relations in the geographical areas amongst local populations, research on geopolitics. And I can tell you that are quite distant from the Western compliant media.

Ah.

You Do Your Own Research and Stick It To The Man

Tells me all I need to know.

Fos Thank you, yes I read your comment.

My friend, yes the US controls many forward bases, I understand more that 800, and yes across the globe.

I believe you many insist in my delusion naivety, to be to defend our hard fort human right, democratic mandate to select our leaders and throw then out, sometime inelegantly accordingly.

The US constitution, it guiding principals are routed through democratic mandate by the people for the people.

Enshrined in law, through congress/senate, by no means perfect for sure.

However if presented with a chose, I suggest the people of China would by secret ballot vote mandate a US system of government every time

You ask, with sound judgement, how 20 Chinese outposts can compete with 800 US military bases spread all over the globe?

My answer and humour me please, the card game bridge teaches demonstrates the art to identifying *losers*. Deciding which can be sacrificed, strategies that finesse into winners, develop lead attacking combinations, defining defensive manoeuvres, when to be aggressive, relish challenges, risk aversion.

Historically ideologically, Chinese culture must never to be understated, underestimated, Xi not only understands the essence of conflict but to dominate and conquer, without any checks and balances,

Learning Warfare from the Laboratory - China’s Progression in Wargaming and Opposing Force Training

https://www.understandingwar.org/report/learning-warfare-laboratory-china%E2%80%99s-progression-wargaming-and-opposing-force-training

The First Battle of the Next War: Wargaming a Chinese Invasion of Taiwan

https://www.csis.org/analysis/first-battle-next-war-wargaming-chinese-invasion-taiwan

Some dude

I am not sure what your latest comment means, but frankly I am not interested to find out.

This forum is a good place if you have a valid point to share, should that be on diplomacy and peace, or deterrence and alleged threats. All the best for the remaining holidays

itsonlyrocknroll

Xi not only understands the essence of conflict but to dominate and conquer, without any checks and balances...

With due respect here, I don't understand all this sanctimonious praises about the American constitution, it is your right though. However, when you look at the history of United States of America and their aggressions and coup in last hundred years, and then you compare it to China, your argument does not stand.

A reminder about the nature of the past and present US administrations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wIOqHSsV9c

We are talking about skirmishes of Filipino fishermen here, and history tell us the U.S. has done it before to justify one of the most immoral conflict in the Asian continent. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Tonkin_incident),

and then you quote pictures of Chinese outposts released by American satellites who have all the interest to paint the image of China as "the next biggest threat". The US State department disinformation has a track record of promoting manipulative narratives.

In the meantime the big US military industrial complex signs arms deals for hundreds of billions dollars of weapons to neighbor Taiwan, South Korea or Japan.

How would Washington feel if Russia was going to sell Patriot missiles and Abrams tanks to Messico or Cuba? The US lobbies do not care whether Japan government need to tackle more important social issues, they want you to believe that anti Beijing hysteria. If you understand a bit of Economics, as I am sure you do, you would realize that markets do not like uncertainty. And yet despite the geopolitical instability the US financial markets rose to all time high. Why? The hundreds of billions of dollars of weapons shipped in three different continents, when the top 5 arms manufacturers, all Americans, create jobs in the US and the incoming president will force more countries to buy more, for the "sake of deterrence".

TaiwanIsNotChinaToday  05:37 pm JST

TamaramaToday 05:12 pm JST

I don't recall at any point, a Chinese threat that they will attack Japan, with or without a US Military presence. Can you point to one?

They certainly rolled out the red carpet for the lamb Tamaki.

Then I'll take that as a no sir, I can't point to a single example.

Isabelle

You see, totalitarian states just cannot be trusted, and tend to attack people and steal things due to vanity and petulance.

Maybe Okinawa is too close for you. Better to head back to the Mothership. Perhaps....Oklahoma?

I find it completely fascinating that Americans perceive China as an aggressive belligerent, and yet are completely blind to the hegemony, coercion, aggression and war mongering their country has been undertaking globally for a couple of hundred years - all of which is laid very transparently out in history books. It's so glaringly obvious, you don't have to be particularly smart to see it - just a requisite amount of critical thinking and objectivity will get you there. It's not hard.

And yet every post that calmly points it out on JT lights up like a Christmas tree with dislikes.

Fos, your likes are coming from me. The truth is smarting.

Fos, sanctimonious praises about the American constitution?

It is the heartful belief in and for the basic freedoms enshrined within United States Bill of Rights.

This amendment guarantees the right of freedom from establishment of religion, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association, freedom for people to get together peacefully, and freedom for people to send petitions to their government.

The government of China stands for everything I abhor detest, the genocide, the massacre slaughter of democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square.

Fos I believe you fully understand, yet in silence, fear perhaps, condone despotism, appalling atrocity.

The people of Japan will never appease the tyrant.

itsonlyrocknroll

Look, we can continue this conversation for much longer, back and forth: it is my opinion against yours, but I suggest, rather than watching Hollywood movies about the American dream, or quote the US Bill of Rights: first travel to China as a Japanese citizen or as a foreigner, or whatever you like. And then spend some time in New York city or the Midwest, the Grand Canyon.

Then come back to this room and describe your genuine experiences, things that you have lived and NOT been told or dreamed of.

I don’t know your age but I remind you that previous generations have grown up with the myth of cowboys and the bad temper and harmful “Native American tribes”. It is an historical fact that the United States was formed between the spirit of the frontier and the extermination of the Native Indians, thus on violence. So, I understand where their culture comes from. 

The Bill of Rights is not the same if you are black man in America and get stopped by police, I don't need to tell you that. Not only your kids will not walk to school by themselves like in Japan, but you have to pray there would be no weirdos with a gun in the classroom. If you are ill and don’t have the money the Bill of Rights does not help you. China is not perfect either, but I have never seen men as proud as the Chinese citizens all the times I have been there, and I’ve never felt I could be silenced for my conduct. I have met very dignified people and less arrogance and authenticity that I discovered in America. That is my opinion

Fos,

I must admit feeling, experiencing a nostalgic prang, taking me back to when my Father used to deliver a well honed patronizing shut down, then a miscreant five year old, who must be remined, conceited assertiveness is intolerably challenging the rules from peers.

As a admitted sometimes opinionated entitled millennial, I will continue to politely challenge your opinions that I find to be flawed, a slur on our cherished democratic right to protest without fear of persecution.

Fos, first and foremost Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, is rightfully stating the concerns of the people of Japan.

The government of China is a clear and present danger to the fundamental democratic freedom's, values of Chinas neighbours in fact the entire region.

itsonlyrocknroll

I respect your right of expression. I say it again as a free man and as somebody who has experienced American and Chinese culture, that there is a lot of hypocrisy from the narrative in Washington today in the dominant media.

I don't feel threatened at all by the actions of Beijing government, I think our intellectual activity, education, refinement in general, and social values, are endangered more from excessive exposure to American society, so I try to differentiate as much as I can

Japan should stop paying for protection and build it's own.

WasabiDec. 27  05:41 pm JST

Japan should stop paying for protection and build it's own.

Japan is building it's own. But it does not want the political baggage that comes with having it's own nuclear weapons, or playing the world's policeman. Japan does not have or want the ability to throw it's military weight around on a dime as the U.S. can. While Article 9 was imposed on Japan in 1945, by 1950 the U.S. wanted it removed, and Japan has refused to let it go since then.

People ( ie, non-chinanese) feel safer with an American and Japanese build-up rather than a china-nese one.