Ssnake Posted July 8, 2024 Posted July 8, 2024 All that hate just because nobody has seen him and he has no digital footprint? An austere scholar and recluse, is all.
urbanoid Posted July 8, 2024 Posted July 8, 2024 4 hours ago, Stuart Galbraith said: Hope nobody mines me flagging this up from the British election, but if true it's really very serious. Fake candidates.
Stuart Galbraith Posted July 9, 2024 Posted July 9, 2024 To be fair, she ought to know. Im pretty sure those arent real either....
seahawk Posted July 9, 2024 Posted July 9, 2024 (edited) On 7/7/2024 at 9:53 PM, old_goat said: That the woke marxist-globalist scum won again. It also means that it was possibly the last chance for France to avoid the eventual dissolution of this once proud country, and the emergement of a new islamic power in europe. RIP France This is why the US must disentangle itself from European affairs. Edited July 9, 2024 by seahawk
Stuart Galbraith Posted July 9, 2024 Posted July 9, 2024 21 minutes ago, seahawk said: This is why the US must entangle itself from European affairs. I see what you did there. Freudian slip?
Ssnake Posted July 29, 2024 Posted July 29, 2024 TV news yesterday called Maduro an "authoritarian ruler". Get a dictionary, he's a f'in' commie dictator.
futon Posted August 14, 2024 Posted August 14, 2024 Kishida won't run for Prime Minister again. So a new prime minister soon. https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240814_10/ Next prime minister may be Ishiba. https://sp.m.jiji.com/english/show/34775 https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20240325-176642/ https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240229/p2a/00m/0na/026000c
futon Posted August 14, 2024 Posted August 14, 2024 Ishiba visited Taiwan's president yesterday. https://en.rti.org.tw/news/view/id/2011562
urbanoid Posted August 14, 2024 Posted August 14, 2024 Nice, he seems like a cool guy. from wiki: Quote Ishiba is known as a "gunji otaku" (military geeks) and has a keen interest in military matters. He is known for having a lot of expertise related to weapons systems, legal issues about defense and is also fond of building and painting models of aircraft and ships.[ Ishiba has repeatedly stated that he believes that Japan needs its own equivalent of the USMC to be able to defend its many small islands, in 2010 when he was policy chief for the LDP in opposition, and as secretary-general of the party in March 2013 after the LDP regained government. In 2011, Ishiba backed the idea of Japan maintaining the capability of building nuclear weapons: I don't think Japan needs to possess nuclear weapons, but it's important to maintain our commercial reactors because it would allow us to produce a nuclear warhead in a short amount of time ... It's a tacit nuclear deterrent. During the 2013 North Korean crisis, Ishiba stated that Japan had the right to deliver a preemptive strike against North Korea. In 2017, Ishiba reiterated that Japan should have the capability to build nuclear weapons, stating that "Japan should have the technology to build a nuclear weapon if it wants to do so". Quote Ishiba is a Protestant Christian. He was baptised at the age of 18 in the Tottori Church of the United Church of Christ in Japan. In recent years he has attended the Evangelical CBMC's National Prayer Breakfast. He also visits the Buddhist graves of his ancestors and worships at the shinto shrine. Ishiba is known as a "otaku" for military, vehicles, trains and Japanese idol. He made headlines when he allowed a Japan Self-Defence Forces' vehicle to be displayed at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, a trade fair for plastic and radio-controlled models. When the Russian Defence Minister visited Japan, he stayed up all night assembling a plastic model of the "Admiral Kuznetsov". He would totally fit in here.
futon Posted August 14, 2024 Posted August 14, 2024 He looks like a pretty good fit for the times, too (^-^) An interview with in 2020. https://japan-forward.com/interview-shigeru-ishiba-post-abe-japan-needs-to-learn-more-about-asia/
futon Posted September 15, 2024 Posted September 15, 2024 The below article has some of the geopolitical related points made in it. ---- TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Candidates in Japan's ruling party leadership election on Saturday underlined the importance of bolstering ties with like-minded partners in Asia and beyond to cope with the rise of an assertive China and provocative North Korea. While the security alliance with the United States remains key for Japan, the contenders showed different visions on the shape of future multilateral cooperation, ranging from the creation of an Asian-style NATO collective security arrangement to a more loose network of countries that share values and objectives. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a public favorite to become the next Japanese leader, said NATO-like collective security is necessary in Asia after seeing Russia invade Ukraine, a non-NATO country. "My idea is to start with countries facing a similar (security) environment. It doesn't mean that China will be excluded," Ishiba said in a joint debate with eight other candidates running in the leadership election of the Liberal Democratic Party. Still, he acknowledged that various issues need to be resolved before such a framework can be established, including what is possible under Japan's war-renouncing Constitution and which countries would participate. In NATO, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. The next LDP president is certain to become prime minister, given both houses of parliament are controlled by the LDP and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party. LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, both with the experience of serving as foreign minister, took a cautious stance. "The question is whether something that is good in theory is possible," Motegi said, adding that it would be "realistic" to strengthen the current architecture with the Japan-U.S. alliance at its core and explore cooperation with other Asian nations for the region's peace and stability. Shared concerns about China's assertive moves, particularly at sea and in the air, have accelerated the push for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, which includes the East and South China seas. Russia's war on Ukraine has set off alarm bells among Japanese politicians amid heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. Digital Minister Taro Kono, who held the posts of foreign and defense ministers in the past, emphasized that Japan must work with other democracies, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and emerging powers in the so-called Global South. "Bilateral relations between Japan and China are, of course, important, but having a joint front and strategy with like-minded nations and democracies will become powerful in dealing with issues like China's overproduction, chips and others," Kono said. Speaking alongside the other eight candidates, four being former or current top Japanese diplomats, Shinjiro Koizumi, a rising LDP star and another public favorite to become the next leader, said he will pursue direct talks with his Chinese and North Korean counterparts if he becomes premier. "At the end of the day, how top leaders can talk matters. Without this, no major breakthroughs or positive developments will be possible," Koizumi said at the event hosted by the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo. He also suggested that any Japanese prime minister who fails to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance cannot succeed in achieving amicable relations with other nations. Koizumi's father Junichiro Koizumi visited North Korea as prime minister in 2002, a historic move that paved the way for the return of five Japanese abducted by Pyongyang in the 1970s and 1980s. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to step down when his term as LDP president ends in late September. Under his leadership, Japan decided to substantially increase defense spending as North Korea continues to launch ballistic missiles and China tries to make attempts to change the status quo by force. Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi said Japan should not be "passive" toward China, which is boosting its military presence in the region, but the country also has to seek stable and constructive relations that benefit both economies. Sanae Takaichi, who is currently economic security minister and one of the most conservative members among the nine contenders, has stressed the need for Japan to keep the United States "engaged" in the region. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said she will work to solve the issue of the Japanese abductees. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, who was in charge of that issue, said Japan should explore summit talks with North Korea at an appropriate time, taking into account various factors, including its relations with the United States. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240914/p2g/00m/0na/030000c
urbanoid Posted September 16, 2024 Posted September 16, 2024 On 9/15/2024 at 12:56 PM, futon said: The below article has some of the geopolitical related points made in it. ---- TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Candidates in Japan's ruling party leadership election on Saturday underlined the importance of bolstering ties with like-minded partners in Asia and beyond to cope with the rise of an assertive China and provocative North Korea. While the security alliance with the United States remains key for Japan, the contenders showed different visions on the shape of future multilateral cooperation, ranging from the creation of an Asian-style NATO collective security arrangement to a more loose network of countries that share values and objectives. Former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, a public favorite to become the next Japanese leader, said NATO-like collective security is necessary in Asia after seeing Russia invade Ukraine, a non-NATO country. "My idea is to start with countries facing a similar (security) environment. It doesn't mean that China will be excluded," Ishiba said in a joint debate with eight other candidates running in the leadership election of the Liberal Democratic Party. Still, he acknowledged that various issues need to be resolved before such a framework can be established, including what is possible under Japan's war-renouncing Constitution and which countries would participate. In NATO, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. The next LDP president is certain to become prime minister, given both houses of parliament are controlled by the LDP and its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party. LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, both with the experience of serving as foreign minister, took a cautious stance. "The question is whether something that is good in theory is possible," Motegi said, adding that it would be "realistic" to strengthen the current architecture with the Japan-U.S. alliance at its core and explore cooperation with other Asian nations for the region's peace and stability. Shared concerns about China's assertive moves, particularly at sea and in the air, have accelerated the push for a "free and open" Indo-Pacific, which includes the East and South China seas. Russia's war on Ukraine has set off alarm bells among Japanese politicians amid heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. Digital Minister Taro Kono, who held the posts of foreign and defense ministers in the past, emphasized that Japan must work with other democracies, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and emerging powers in the so-called Global South. "Bilateral relations between Japan and China are, of course, important, but having a joint front and strategy with like-minded nations and democracies will become powerful in dealing with issues like China's overproduction, chips and others," Kono said. Speaking alongside the other eight candidates, four being former or current top Japanese diplomats, Shinjiro Koizumi, a rising LDP star and another public favorite to become the next leader, said he will pursue direct talks with his Chinese and North Korean counterparts if he becomes premier. "At the end of the day, how top leaders can talk matters. Without this, no major breakthroughs or positive developments will be possible," Koizumi said at the event hosted by the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo. He also suggested that any Japanese prime minister who fails to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance cannot succeed in achieving amicable relations with other nations. Koizumi's father Junichiro Koizumi visited North Korea as prime minister in 2002, a historic move that paved the way for the return of five Japanese abducted by Pyongyang in the 1970s and 1980s. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has decided to step down when his term as LDP president ends in late September. Under his leadership, Japan decided to substantially increase defense spending as North Korea continues to launch ballistic missiles and China tries to make attempts to change the status quo by force. Former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi said Japan should not be "passive" toward China, which is boosting its military presence in the region, but the country also has to seek stable and constructive relations that benefit both economies. Sanae Takaichi, who is currently economic security minister and one of the most conservative members among the nine contenders, has stressed the need for Japan to keep the United States "engaged" in the region. Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said she will work to solve the issue of the Japanese abductees. Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, who was in charge of that issue, said Japan should explore summit talks with North Korea at an appropriate time, taking into account various factors, including its relations with the United States. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240914/p2g/00m/0na/030000c Rooting for Takaichi, she seems 'the rightwingest'.
futon Posted September 16, 2024 Posted September 16, 2024 2 minutes ago, urbanoid said: Rooting for Takaichi, she seems 'the rightwingest'. I like Takaichi but for defense relations in the region, she might be too Pro-Japan, particularly for South Korea. She'll be a positive for reassurance for Taiwan for sure. But with ROK, the previous Moon presidency was too much to work with (Abe or not) but the current Yoon presidency (with Kishida) has enabled a foundation that I hope to see developed. So I'd like to see that foundation get a chance for more to be built on. I'm intrigued by the Asia NATO ideas by Ishiba. Kono seems more in that direction as well. Kamikawa mentioned in a different get together of the 9 about an agreement recently made by Yoon-Kishida about cooporating with South Korea for helping each other in evacuating each others civilians from places in strife (recent examples.. Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan, etc), or in the topic section.. a Taiwan energency. So she seems able to build on more with ROK. I think what Yoon-Kishida have achieved is rare if things go off the rail again, another rebuilding won't be soon afterwards.
urbanoid Posted September 16, 2024 Posted September 16, 2024 At this point it looks like it will play out between Ishiba, Koizumi and Takaichi. The former two say that f*gs should be able to get married - criiiinge. Btw. there's a first poll with Takaichi in the lead: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/8998070898fc-urgent-takaichi-tops-kyodo-poll-of-ldp-supporters-as-most-fit-to-be-japan-pm.html
futon Posted September 16, 2024 Posted September 16, 2024 (edited) 2 hours ago, urbanoid said: At this point it looks like it will play out between Ishiba, Koizumi and Takaichi. The former two say that f*gs should be able to get married - criiiinge. Btw. there's a first poll with Takaichi in the lead: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/8998070898fc-urgent-takaichi-tops-kyodo-poll-of-ldp-supporters-as-most-fit-to-be-japan-pm.html In this one, there's a part about allowing same sex marriage and they had to hold up o (agree) or an x (disgree). At 22:27. I lean conservative on this one. Some other sort of category can be had for same sex partners. For agree: Kono, Ishiba, and Koizumi For against: Takaichi, Hayashi, Kato, and Kobayashi Firmly undecided: Motegi indecisively Undecided: Kamikawa Edited September 16, 2024 by futon
futon Posted September 18, 2024 Posted September 18, 2024 A negative on an Asian NATO. ... But speaking at a forum on Indo-Pacific security at the Stimson Center on Tuesday, Daniel Kritenbrink, the assistant U.S. secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific, said he thought the proposal was hasty. “It's too early to talk about collective security in that context, and [the creation of] more formal institutions,” Kritenbrink said, advocating for a continuation of the Biden administration’s foreign-policy approach of building a “latticework” of U.S. alliances in the region. “What we're focused on is investing in the region's existing formal architecture and continuing to build this network of formal and informal relationships,” he said. “And then we'll see where that goes.” But Kritenbrink said Washington took a neutral stance on the internal party election. “Maybe one final comment,” he said, “just so people don't think I'm commenting on the Japanese election – we look forward to working with whomever is elected, and I'm confident that whoever is prime minister is going to be great for the U.S.-Japan alliance.” Asian NATO Proposals for an “Asian NATO” have rankled Beijing, which sees itself as the ultimate focus of any such bloc in a similar way that Moscow has often blasted NATO itself for its focus on defense against Russia. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/asian-nato-japanese-prime-minister-kritenbrink-09172024132652.html
futon Posted September 18, 2024 Posted September 18, 2024 A new SEATO wouldn't work today ether. The Asian NATO I'd imagine would be US, Japan, ROK, the Philippines as a start.
sunday Posted September 18, 2024 Posted September 18, 2024 28 minutes ago, futon said: A new SEATO wouldn't work today ether. The Asian NATO I'd imagine would be US, Japan, ROK, the Philippines as a start. Thailand and Singapore too. Vietnam could be too much into BRICS territory already.
urbanoid Posted September 18, 2024 Posted September 18, 2024 Wasn't Vietnam getting closer to the US in recent years? It's not like they have external worries other than Chynah.
sunday Posted September 18, 2024 Posted September 18, 2024 14 minutes ago, urbanoid said: Wasn't Vietnam getting closer to the US in recent years? It's not like they have external worries other than Chynah. I am not sure, but Vietnam seems to be making noises in that direction. https://hanoitimes.vn/vietnam-reacts-to-potential-brics-membership-in-2024-326821.html Quote Vietnam reacts to potential BRICS membership in 2024 Ngoc Mai - Lien Ha Vietnam is committed to participating in and contributing positively to global and regional multilateral frameworks. Vietnam remains interested and continues to monitor the BRICS expansion process, stated the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang. At the regular press briefing today [May 9], a question was raised about Vietnam's possible entry into the BRICS group of leading emerging economies (including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in 2024, based on information posted on BRIC News, the bloc’s Twitter account. According to Hang, as an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam is committed to engaging in and contributing positively to global and regional multilateral mechanisms, organizations, and forums, while implementing a policy of multilateralism, diversification, and self-reliance in foreign affairs. "Like many countries around the world, we are closely monitoring the process of BRICS membership expansion," stated Hang. Since January 1, 2024, BRICS has reached a historic milestone by welcoming five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing the total number of countries in the bloc to 10. This marks the first expansion of BRICS since 2010. With the new members, BRICS now accounts for approximately 37% of global GDP in purchasing power parity terms and 46% of the world's population. Russian sources claim Vietnam is interested, but those could be not fully truthful Quote Vietnam Planning To Join BRICS April 11, 2024 BRICS, Trade By Russia's Pivot to Asia Vietnam is actively working on a bid to join the BRICS group, according to Hanoi’s embassy in Russia. The country has yet to make a decision on a formal membership bid, although it is establishing a framework for BRICS participation and a potential request to join the group. Hanoi has not yet said if Vietnam will send a delegation to the BRICS summit scheduled for the Russian city of Kazan in October. (...) Vietnam’s economy has been a development success story, according to the World Bank. Economic reforms undertaken over the past four decades have helped propel the country from being one of the world’s poorest nations to a middle-income economy in one generation. The Vietnamese economy grew by 5.05% in 2023, with the World Bank forecasting steady GDP growth in the coming years. Vietnam’s manufacturing sector includes industries such as textiles and garments, electronics, machinery, footwear, and food processing, and has attracted significant foreign investment. Hanoi has adopted a neutral stance towards Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. Vietnam abstained on four of the UN General Assembly resolutions condemning Moscow and voted against a motion to remove Russia from the UN Human Rights Council. Vietnam’s bilateral trade with Russia in 2023 reached about US$3 billion, with Russia exporting mainly cereals, crustaceans and pork. Russia’s exports to Vietnam were up 32% last year. Sergey Levin, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture noted that the potential for exporting agricultural products from Russia to Vietnam by 2030 could increase fourfold. This will be done by increasing the supply of grain, pork, and fish products. In addition, Russia is interested in increasing the volume of investments in the agricultural sector. Vietnam has a Free Trade Agreement with Russia via the Eurasian Economic Union.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now