Japanese Official Warns North Korean Threat Critical, Imminent

Wall Street Journal ^ | Oct. 23, 2017 | Gordon Lubold

[Lazamataz]

Japan has extensive space launch experience. They also have weapons grade expertise. Sent over 300 kG special grade to Savannah last year. Have over ten tons separated Pu in inventory, and 40 tons in MOX fuel processing.

I've heard it said that Japan is one-turned-screw away from a viable nuclear weapon or 20.

[Strac6]

There are two schools of thought in DC regarding Japanese nucs.

1: They have them, probably about two dozen.

2: They do not have nuclear weapons, but have plenty of Pu and could build a bomb within 30-120 days. The design they would use is so well known and reliable, no testing would be required to assure a 99+% high-level detonation rare.

“May we live in interesting times”

[ducttape45]

They have every right to be concerned. The only way North Korea can never be a threat is if it’s totally wiped out, pure and simple.

[BradyLS]

I’ve thought for awhile that China’s ultimate goal in the Western Pacific is the reunification of Taiwan with the PRC mainland. I think they will gladly trade away North Korea to rejoin the South if they are guaranteed Taiwan.

I don’t think China will ever try to take Taiwan through aggression. They want a Taiwan that would be very happy—eager, even—to rejoin the mainland. The key will be to convince young Taiwanese that the mainland will serve their interests better than we have.