BansheeOne Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 Quote Date 30.07.2021 Philippines fully restores military pact with United States Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has reversed his decision to annul a major defense pact with the United States. The move follows the visit of US Defense Secretary Llyod Austin. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has restored a key defense pact with the United States that governs the presence of US soldiers in the Southeast Asian nation, reversing a decision that had caused concern in Washington and Manila. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced Duterte's decision in Manila on Friday during a joint press conference with his visiting US counterpart, Lloyd Austin. The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) provides protocols for the rotation of thousands of US soldiers for combat exercises and drills. What could have prompted the reversal? The pact has gained additional importance in recent years for the US and its allies, with China trying to assert itself in the region. There are persistent tensions between the Philippines and China over disputed waters in the South China Sea. In February 2020, Duterte said he was canceling the VFA after the US denied a visa to a Philippine senator allied with the president, but had extended it until December. Lorenzna said he was unsure why Duterte had reversed his decision to abrogate the pact, but it happened after the president met with the US defense secretary on Thursday. "The president decided to recall or retract the termination letter for the VFA,'' Lorenzana said. "We are back on track.'' Austin welcomed the restoration of the VFA, which he said would help boost defense relations between the longtime allies. https://www.dw.com/en/philippines-fully-restores-military-pact-with-united-states/a-58699464 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonJ Posted August 3, 2021 Author Share Posted August 3, 2021 Probably hurray. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BansheeOne Posted August 5, 2021 Share Posted August 5, 2021 Quote Date 05.08.2021 Taiwan thanks US for Howitzer artillery systems The arms deal is yet to receive approval from the US Congress. It also includes precision guidance kits for munitions, spares, training, ground stations, and upgrades for Taiwan's previous generation of Howitzers. The US approved the potential sale of 155mm M109A6 medium self-propelled Howitzer artillery systems to Taiwan in a deal valued at up to $750 million (Є634 million) on Wednesday. The package also includes precision guidance kits for munitions, spares, training, ground stations, and upgrades for Taiwan's previous generation of Howitzers. Taiwan's foreign ministry expressed "sincere gratitude" to the US State Department in a statement, saying it would help maintain "regional peace and stability." The Pentagon notified the Congress of the deal on Wednesday, but it is yet to receive approval. "Faced with China's continuing military expansion and provocations, our government will boost national defense and security with an unwavering determination to defend people's lives and our free and democratic way of living," the statement said. Movable Howitzers would enable Taiwan to direct fire at incoming troop ships and shell landing beaches. [...] https://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-thanks-us-for-howitzer-artillery-systems/a-58762694 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonJ Posted August 5, 2021 Author Share Posted August 5, 2021 Quote TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan's defense ministry is reportedly planning to deploy missile units on an island 300 kilometers off the coast of Taiwan in an effort to counter China's growing naval presence in the area and defend against a potential Chinese attack. The Japan News on Tuesday (Aug. 3), reported that Tokyo intends to deploy Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) missile units on the island of Ishigaki, which is only 306 km from Taoyuan Taiwan International Airport. The news service cited sources familiar with the matter as saying that the new units will be installed next year and be manned by 500 to 600 Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) troops. The installation of new units will make Ishigaki the fourth island in the Nansei island chain to be armed with missiles. This island chain runs southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan and is situated on the strategic first island chain that stretches from the Kuril Islands in the north to Borneo in the south. One of the new units will reportedly include surface-to-ship and ground-to-air missiles, while another unit will handle the initial reaction to a military attack. The missile batteries on Ishigaki will join existing units on Amami-Oshima, Okinawa, and Miyako islands. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has increasingly been patrolling the Miyako Strait between Okinawa and Miyako islands, including warships such as the Liaoning aircraft carrier. Japan's missile installations are meant to serve as a deterrent and are within range of disputed territories such as the Diaoyutai Islands (Senkaku Islands). In addition, the Japanese defense ministry is reportedly planning on installing an electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni island by the end of 2023 and building a new SDF base on the island of Mageshima. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4263918 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonJ Posted August 5, 2021 Author Share Posted August 5, 2021 Quote TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan's defense ministry is reportedly planning to deploy missile units on an island 300 kilometers off the coast of Taiwan in an effort to counter China's growing naval presence in the area and defend against a potential Chinese attack. The Japan News on Tuesday (Aug. 3), reported that Tokyo intends to deploy Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) missile units on the island of Ishigaki, which is only 306 km from Taoyuan Taiwan International Airport. The news service cited sources familiar with the matter as saying that the new units will be installed next year and be manned by 500 to 600 Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) troops. The installation of new units will make Ishigaki the fourth island in the Nansei island chain to be armed with missiles. This island chain runs southwest from Kyushu to Taiwan and is situated on the strategic first island chain that stretches from the Kuril Islands in the north to Borneo in the south. One of the new units will reportedly include surface-to-ship and ground-to-air missiles, while another unit will handle the initial reaction to a military attack. The missile batteries on Ishigaki will join existing units on Amami-Oshima, Okinawa, and Miyako islands. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has increasingly been patrolling the Miyako Strait between Okinawa and Miyako islands, including warships such as the Liaoning aircraft carrier. Japan's missile installations are meant to serve as a deterrent and are within range of disputed territories such as the Diaoyutai Islands (Senkaku Islands). In addition, the Japanese defense ministry is reportedly planning on installing an electronic warfare unit on Yonaguni island by the end of 2023 and building a new SDF base on the island of Mageshima. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4263918 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucklucky Posted September 10, 2021 Share Posted September 10, 2021 https://www.intelligenceonline.com/international-dealmaking/2021/09/07/iai-beats-airbus-and-thales-to-vietnamese-spy-satellite-deal,109689536-eve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BansheeOne Posted October 8, 2021 Share Posted October 8, 2021 Quote Secret group of US military trainers has been in Taiwan for at least a year Small contingent of US special forces and marines training local forces in latest sign of rising US-China tensions Julian Borger in Washington and Helen Davidson in Taipei Thu 7 Oct 2021 14.07 EDT The US has been secretly maintaining a small contingent of military trainers in Taiwan for at least a year, according to a new report, the latest sign of the rising stakes in US-China rivalry. About two dozen US special forces soldiers and an unspecified number of marines are now training Taiwanese forces, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday. The trainers were first sent to Taiwan by the Trump administration but their presence had not been reported until now. The report came as President Tsai Ing-wen said on Friday that Taiwan will “do whatever it takes to defend its freedom and democratic way of life”. “Taiwan does not seek military confrontation,” she told a security forum in Taipei. “It hopes for a peaceful, stable, predictable and mutually beneficial coexistence with its neighbours. But Taiwan will also do whatever it takes to defend its freedom and democratic way of life.” US troops have not been permanently based on the island since 1979, when Washington established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. A Pentagon spokesman, John Supple, would not comment directly on the report, but noted that “our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat” from China. [...] The presence of US Marines Raiders in Taiwan has been previously reported, and was later confirmed by the Taiwan Navy Command as a “routine Taiwan-US military exchange and cooperation training”, according to US defence media and local outlets. US officials said the November 2020 reports were “inaccurate” but did not elaborate. China’s foreign ministry issued a statement urging the US to stop military aid to Taiwan. “China will take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said. [...] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/07/taiwan-us-military-trainers-china Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glenn239 Posted October 8, 2021 Share Posted October 8, 2021 Underwater collision in SCS reported, involvin g USS Connecticut SSN-22. No word on what it was they hit, UPDATED: Attack Submarine USS Connecticut Suffers Underwater Collision in South China Sea - USNI News Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucklucky Posted October 20, 2021 Share Posted October 20, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Tan Posted October 21, 2021 Share Posted October 21, 2021 Now it will burn and sink in port! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BansheeOne Posted October 22, 2021 Share Posted October 22, 2021 Quote Joe Biden says US would defend Taiwan if attacked by China 6h ago The president says the United States has a "commitment" to protect Taiwan as China continues to impose its sovereignty on the island. Beijing has urged Washington to act with caution on the Taiwan issue. President Joe Biden said on Thursday that the United States has a "commitment" to defend Taiwan as the island faces growing military and political pressure from Beijing. What did Biden say? Biden was asked at a town hall event hosted by CNN whether the US would come to the defense of Taiwan, which China claims as its own. "Yes, we have a commitment to do that," he replied, in what appeared to be a break with a longstanding US policy on Taiwan. While Washington is required by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, it has long followed a policy of "strategic ambiguity" on whether it would intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese attack. [...] A change in policy? The White House later clarified there was no change in policy, reiterating a similar statement by a US official in August 2021. "The US defense relationship with Taiwan is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act," a White House spokesperson said. "We will uphold our commitment under the act, we will continue to support Taiwan's self-defense, and we will continue to oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo." "The president was not announcing any change in our policy and there is no change in our policy." The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday responded to Biden's comments, and urged the US president to act with caution on the Taiwan issue. "China has no room for compromise on issues involving its core interests," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. https://m.dw.com/en/joe-biden-says-us-would-defend-taiwan-if-attacked-by-china/a-59583996 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted November 14, 2021 Share Posted November 14, 2021 Nov 10th to Nov 12th, in the waters south of Shikoku, training between HMAS Warramunga and JS Inazuma. https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211112.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted November 21, 2021 Share Posted November 21, 2021 Oct 12th to Oct 16th, waters south of Kanto and Shikoku, USS Ronald Reagon, Shiloh, JS Kongo: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202110/20211017.pdf Oct 19th to Oct 23rd, South China Sea, USS Milius and JS Akizuki: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202110/20211024.pdf Oct 19th to Oct 24th, South China Sea, USS Higgens and JS Shiranui: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202110/20211025.pdf Oct 25th, waters east of Okinawa, HMAS Brisbane, USS Benfold, and JS Akizuki: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202110/20211026.pdf Oct 26th, waters offshore from Hai Phong, VNS HQ-266 and JS Shiranui: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202110/20211027.pdf Oct 28th, South China Sea, USS Jackson and JS Yudachi: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202110/20211029-1.pdf, https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2829200/us-navy-jmsdf-ships-pair-for-exercise-in-south-china-sea/ Oct 28th to Nov 4th, South China Sea, East China Sea, Sea of Japan, USS Higgins, USNS Big Horn, and JS Shiranui: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211105-1.pdf Oct 29th to November 4th, South China Sea, USS Carl Vinson, Lake Champlain, Shiloh, Milius, JS Kaga, and Murasame: https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2822118/japan-maritime-self-defense-force-us-navy-conduct-bilateral-operations-in-south/, https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211105-2.pdf Nov 3rd, East China Sea, USS Dewey and JS Omi: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211105-3.pdf Nov 3rd, East China Sea, USS America, JS Ise, Harsusame, Asahi, Otaka, Hirashima, Yakushima, Takashima: https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/2835697/uss-america-js-ise-lead-integrated-training-with-sasebo-based-jmsdf-ships/, https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211104.pdf Nov 4th and 5th, waters south of Kanto, FDS Bayern and JS Samidare: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211102.pdf Nov 7th, Cam Ranh Bay, VNS Dinh Tien Hoang, JS Kaga, Murasame: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211108.pdf Nov 9th, East China Sea, HMCS Winnipeg and JS Jintsu: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211110.pdf Nov 8th to Nov 12th and Nov 14th to Nov 17th, South China Sea, JS Kaga, Murasame, USS Milius: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211113.pdf, https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211118.pdf Nov 14th, South China Sea, BRP Jose Rizal, JS Kaga, Murasame: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211115.pdf Nov 16th, South China Sea, JS Kaga, Murasame, JMSDF submarine, a P-1, USS Milius, a P-8A: https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202111/20211116-2.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucklucky Posted November 30, 2021 Share Posted November 30, 2021 US, British tech military help to Taiwan submarines. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/taiwan-china-submarines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BansheeOne Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 Quote Australia, South Korea sign historic defense agreement 6h ago Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have signed a defense deal worth 1 billion Australian dollars as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. South Korea and Australia have signed a nearly $700 million defense deal on Monday during South Korean President Moon Jae-in's visit to the country. Under the agreement, South Korean defense company Hanwha will provide the Australian army with equipment like artillery weapons, supply vehicles and radar. The deal, worth 1 billion Australian dollars ($717 million, €635 million), is the largest defense contract between Australia and an Asian nation, local media reported. Strengthening diplomacy "The contract that we have signed today, I think, speaks volumes about what we believe are the capabilities of the Korean defense industry," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. The new defense contract is expected to create close to 300 jobs in Australia, where a division of Hanwha operates. The agreement was signed as Moon was in the Australian Capital Territory on a four-day visit to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to upgrade the formal ties between South Korea and Australia to a "comprehensive strategic partnership." [...] https://m.dw.com/en/australia-south-korea-sign-historic-defense-agreement/a-60099713 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrustMe Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 And the anti-Chyna coalition gets bigger .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted December 19, 2021 Share Posted December 19, 2021 Oct 28th, airspace over the East China Sea, from the USAF: ten F-15s, a KC-135, an MC-130J, and a C-130J. From the JASDF: twelve F-15Js, a C-130H, a C-1, a C-2, a U-125A, and a UH-60J: https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/news/houdou/R3/20211101.pdf Nov 9th, search and rescue joint training in the airspace north of Miyako and Ishigaki. From the USAF: a CV-22 and a MC-130J. From JASDF: a U-125A and a UH-60J: https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/news/houdou/R3/20211111-1.pdf Dec 9th, airspace over the Sea of Japan, from the USAF: a B-52, seven F-35As, and a KC-135. From the JASDF: eight F-15Js and eight F-2s: https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/news/houdou/R3/20211214.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 Australia and Japan signed a new defense treaty on January 6th. https://www.mofa.go.jp/a_o/ocn/au/page4e_001195.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BansheeOne Posted February 8, 2022 Share Posted February 8, 2022 Quote US approves deal to boost Taiwan defense systems 10h ago The $100 million arms deal is meant to help Taiwan "sustain, maintain and improve" its air-defense missiles in the face of pressure from China, a US defense agency said. US President Joe Biden's administration has approved a $100 million (€87 million) sale of equipment and services to Taiwan aimed at boosting the island's missile defense systems, the Pentagon said on Monday. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement that upgrades to the Patriot Air Defense System would "help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, economic and progress in the region." "This proposed sale serves US national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability," the DSCA said. The agency said that the main contractors would be Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin. 'In the face' of Chinese provocation Taiwan's Defense Ministry thanked the State Department for the arms sale in a tweet. The ministry said that the deal was expected to come into effect within one month. [...] https://m.dw.com/en/us-approves-deal-to-boost-taiwan-defense-systems/a-60692310 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted February 13, 2022 Share Posted February 13, 2022 (edited) On Jan 18th and 19th, in the airspace southeast of Okinawa, USAF and JASDF joint-training. JMSDF: Eight F-15Js, two E-2Cs, a C-130H, and a C-1. From USAF: Fourteen F-15s, an E-3, two KC-135, and two HH-60s. https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/news/houdou/R3/20220120.pdf Cope North 2022 exercise for air combat and HA/DR, late Jan through Feb, at Guam. 130 aircraft. From RAAF: six F-35As, an E-7A, a KC-30A MRTT, a C-17A, and two C-27Js. From JASDF: six F-15Js, six F-2As, a U-125A, a UH-60J, an E-767, and a KC-767. From JMSDF: a US-2. That leaves about 100 aircraft from the USAF which include: a KC-46A, an E-3G, a KC-135R, F-15C/D Eagles, F/A-18C/D Hornets, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers, F-16C/D Falcons, and F-35As. (1)https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2913782/australia-japan-us-converge-on-guam-for-cope-north-22/, (2)https://adbr.com.au/raaf-deploys-to-guam-for-exercise-cope-north-2022/, (3)https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/news/houdou/R3/20220127.pdf, (4)https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/release/202201/20220127.pdf Edited February 13, 2022 by futon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BansheeOne Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 So would that make it JAUKUS? Quote Japan denies report of invite to join AUKUS to develop hypersonic weapons Tokyo had welcome alliance's decision to develop hypersonic weapons Updated: April 13, 2022 09:43 IST The Japanese government on Wednesday denied a media report that claimed the country had been invited to join the AUKUS security partnership, which comprises Australia, the US and UK. AUKUS was formally launched on September 16, 2021, by the heads of government of the three countries and has been seen as a response to the relentless rise of China. At the time, the alliance had announced the three countries would pool resources in areas such as artificial intelligence and long-range strike capabilities. The US and UK are also sharing technology to build a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. On Tuesday, Japan's Sankei Shimbun reported the US, UK and Australia were “inquiring about Japan's participation” in AUKUS. The report said the three allies aimed to “incorporate Japanese technological capabilities” in development of hypersonic weapons and for strengthening of electronic warfare capabilities. Sankei Shimbun noted “there are expectations for synergistic effects with Japanese technological capabilities in advanced technology fields such as cyber, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum technology”. The report revealed opinion in the Japanese government about joining AUKUS was “positive”, but the country was planning to carefully assess the effects of participation given existing security tie-ups with the three nations. On Wednesday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters his country was “not asked to participate in AUKUS”. He was quoted by Reuters as saying “There is no fact” in the Sankei Shimbun report. Past support Last week, the AUKUS members announced they would work to develop hypersonic weapons and “counter-hypersonic” weapons. Japan expressed support for the decision. [...] https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2022/04/13/japan-denies-report-of-invite-to-join-aukus-to-develop-hypersonic-weapons.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted April 13, 2022 Share Posted April 13, 2022 (edited) Here are the two articles. Quote 米国、英国、オーストラリアの３カ国がインド太平洋地域の安全保障枠組み「ＡＵＫＵＳ（オーカス）」に日本の参加を打診していることが１２日、分かった。極超音速兵器開発や電子戦能力の強化などで日本の技術力を取り込む狙いがあるとみられる。日本政府内ではＡＵＫＵＳ入りに積極的な意見がある一方、米英豪３カ国とは２国間の協力枠組みがあるため、参加の効果を慎重に見極める考えもある。 複数の政府関係者によると、米英豪３カ国はそれぞれ非公式に日本のＡＵＫＵＳ参加を打診。極超音速兵器や電子戦能力のほか、サイバー、人工知能（ＡＩ）、量子技術などの先端技術分野で、日本の技術力との相乗効果に期待がある。 岸田文雄首相が３月２７日に行った防衛大学校卒業式の訓示で、「自由で開かれたインド太平洋（ＦＯＩＰ）」を目指す上で米国以外のパートナー国として挙げた２カ国が英豪だった。日本は英豪両国とそれぞれ「戦略的パートナーシップ」を結んでおり、防衛装備品・技術移転協定も締結している。 日本はＦＯＩＰに向けた取り組みを主導してきた。ＡＵＫＵＳ参加に前向きな政府関係者は、台頭する中国に対抗する上でも米国と同盟国を中心とした枠組みが必要と主張する。一方、日本は米英豪３カ国とそれぞれ２国間の協力枠組みを持っている。原子力潜水艦など日本が参加できない分野もあり、ＡＵＫＵＳと協力するとしても当面は個別分野での協力に限定すべきだとの見方もある。 ＡＵＫＵＳはオーストラリア（Ａｕｓｔｒａｌｉａ）、英国（ＵＫ）、米国（ＵＳＡ）の国名の一部をとった造語。仮に日本（Ｊａｐａｎ）が参加した場合、「ＪＡＵＫＵＳ（ジョーカス）」などの名称が想定される。 https://www.sankei.com/article/20220412-73VOZUMHBVKTFFHLLJHSZHUYQU/?outputType=amp Quote ［東京 １３日 ロイター］ - 松野博一官房長官は１３日午前の記者会見で、米国、英国、オーストラリア３カ国の安全保障枠組み「ＡＵＫＵＳ（オーカス）」に日本が参加を「打診された事実はない」と述べた。 産経新聞は、複数の政府関係者の話として、米英豪それぞれが非公式に日本のＡＵＫＵＳ参加を打診していると報道した。 米国務省は１１日、上海領事館の緊急業務に関わらない職員に退避を命じた。 松野長官は、同市で中国当局がコロナ対応として厳しい外出制限措置などを実施をしており、「経済活動にも影響が出ていると承知をしている」とした上で、「日本政府としては、現時点で在上海日本国総領事館の館員の撤収などの検討は何らしていない」と述べた。引き続き状況を注視する考えという。 https://jp.reuters.com/article/matsuno-aukus-idJPKCN2M505B There was a number of reports a couple of years ago about Japan joining 5 eyes but looks like it didn't lead into anything. Japan gov is currently fast tracking the write up of new long term strategy, long term force structure and procurement, and mid-term procurement due to the whole Russia/Ukraine thing with two key points requireing update. The new very bad relations with Russia that came with the sanctions and end of dialogue for WW2 peace treaty. The other is what the Ukraine situation may have in making a precedent to encourage PRC attempt at Taiwan. So with it being fast tracked, lots of ideas for long term defense are probably getting shuffled around and oozing out. Edited April 13, 2022 by futon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted April 16, 2022 Share Posted April 16, 2022 Tokyo, April 16 (Jiji Press)--Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party plans to propose that the country increase defense spending to a level equivalent to 2 pct of its gross domestic product in about five years, sources familiar with its discussions said Friday. ... https://jen.jiji.com/jc/i?g=eco&k=2022041600203 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seahawk Posted April 16, 2022 Share Posted April 16, 2022 Japan should be very careful to go back to the militaristic traditions of the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
futon Posted April 16, 2022 Share Posted April 16, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, seahawk said: Japan should be very careful to go back to the militaristic traditions of the past. Atrocities during WW2 weren't something that occured beforehand as if it was some sort of practice passed down from generation to generation. So those weren't traditions. While I hate analogies, but to serve as something else for something to come to mind.. what Japan has now is more akin to what it had during the years of pre and during WW1. Then it was an alliance with Great Britain. Now its an alliance with the US. Then Japan was elevated into the LoN. Now Japan has the G7. Japan's international relations started a downturn with the Naval treaties. But other countries in that time were also empires, including the US (Philippines, Hawaii, Guam). So getting along with self-serving colonial powers would je harder than today's post colonial modern world. Of course it could happen again where Japan finds itself isolated by such a result would not have to be a fault on Japan only. Regardless, Japan has been treading extremely carefully in the past decade in building defense relations with countries in the region and other major powers. But with continued threat on Taiwan, SCS, DPRK, and just general growing power imbalance with a PRC that can't be trusted, Japan going to 2% is fully justified. Of course, from those that take PRC's perspective and view themselves as justified in taking Taiwan, yeah, they will be tempted to try playing the history card on Japan. I believe your view is most sentimental for Russia in which case I do not think going to 2% is for the purpose of making a military posture for the purpose of capturing the northern islands in a none diplomatic way. However with new bad relations with Russia, I reckon Japan will have to put some emphasis back for defense posture in Hokkaido as for the past 5 to 8 years, Japan had been acting on a strategy policy that focused on reinforcing the southern islands. And actually, a total collapse of Russia in the Far East may not be good as its better that the former outer Manchuria area and Vladivostok remain Russia rather than becoming de facto PRC. But things are unpredictanle and better normalcy get bavk with the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Edited April 16, 2022 by futon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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