And that makes the UN? . . . . 
Posted on 04/18/2005 8:51:45 PM PDT by real_dd2
Escalating tension with China, violently illustrated by renewed anti-Japanese protests in Shanghai and other big cities at the weekend, is increasing pressure on Tokyo to expand its military capabilities and back a deepening strategic alliance with the US reaching from east Asia to the Gulf.
Japan's pacifist postwar constitution restricts its armed forces to self-defence. About 50,000 US troops in Okinawa and other bases guarantee the country's security in return for a $5bn (£2.6bn) Japanese cash contribution.
But defence analysts say the perceived Chinese threat, a more assertive, nationalistic Japanese mindset, and Washington's wish to use Japan as a command post for operations extending to the Middle East are transforming Japan's formerly semi- detached defence posture.
In other words, after 60 years largely spent keeping its head down, Japan appears destined to supplant Australia as Washington's "deputy sheriff" in the Asia-Pacific region and become a pillar of America's 21st-century security architecture.
According to Kazuya Sakamoto of Osaka University, Japan and Britain are central to a far- reaching, post-9/11 US review of its overseas force deployments.
"The basic idea is that the US will gradually withdraw from the Eurasian landmass while assigning the two island nations at the east and west of Eurasia, Japan and Britain, even greater importance as strategic bases to ensure stability in Europe and Asia," Professor Sakamoto writes in the current issue of Japan Echo magazine.
An important element in this transformation fell into place last week when Japan agreed in principle to allow the command headquarters of the US Army's 1st Corps to transfer from Washington state, on the US Pacific coast, to Camp Zama, near Yokohama, south of Tokyo.
The 1st Corps has responsibility for operations in the Pacific and Indian oceans, extending to the conflict zones and oilfields of the Gulf. The primary focus of its forward deployment is likely to be the defence of Taiwan, regional challenges posed by China's military expansion, and the nuclear standoff with North Korea.
But the US has also reportedly proposed that command operations of the 13th Airforce, now on Guam in the Pacific - a base for long-range bombers and tanker aircraft frequently deployed in the Middle East - be moved to Yokota airbase in Tokyo.
"The ramifications of this would be that Japan would essentially serve as a frontline US command post for the Asia-Pacific and beyond," said Christopher Hughes of Warwick University in a paper published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
The American forward deployments are certain to be viewed with suspicion in China and farther afield - and face political opposition in Japan. The US- Japan security treaty states that US bases may only be used "for the purpose of contributing to the security of Japan and the maintenance of international peace and security in the far east". It says nothing, for example, about Iran.
But Dr Hughes said that since Japan had given the US a free hand to use its bases for previous Middle East operations, Tokyo "might have to accept its enhanced role as a fulcrum for US military commands".
Japan's worries about China are the main reason for acquiescing in US plans that effectively shatter any remaining pacifist illusions. But Tokyo is in any case growing more militarily assertive under its prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi.
Japan sent non-combat troops to Iraq while its navy has joined the US-led Proliferation Security Initiative. Military cooperation with Australia, South Korea and south-east Asian states is developing.
It is acquiring a ballistic missile defence system and new satellite intelligence capabilities. It has pledged to help keep the peace in Taiwan. And there has even been talk of pre-emptive strikes against North Korea and a Japanese nuclear deterrent.
In short, Japan, emerging from the shadow of its past, is again becoming a military power with a global role and hopes of a permanent UN security council seat.
China's actions may thereby be more easily explained. But further demonstrations of hostility will only exacerbate the slide towards an Asian cold war.
My suggestion would be to create a NATO-like alliance of democratic and emerging democratic nations, from the democratic "-stan" countries and the Indian subcontinent to island outposts in the Pacific like Micronesia, Palau, Fiji, Nauru and others. All of this would include Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, India, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Bangaldesh and others. Make a half-ring around China to box them in, because after the Middle East, that is the region where we will likely have our biggest defense challenges, thanks to Beijing.
Good. "Here's a nuke to strap on, deputy. Don't be afraid to use it."
As long as the US military is strong in the region Japan can be deputy. If the US ever has to back out of its dominance there, Japan will have to reassert its own dominance. They have the power if they wish to do so.
New Zealand is that gay barber guy. "Oooh, that boy needs a haircut Andy"
Is India Howard Sprague? The Philippines could be Ernest T Bass and Thailand Otis Campbell.
I'm drawing a blank for Juanita and Thelma Lou
And that makes the UN? . . . .
A very common claim used in recent reporting, but I have yet to see any factual evidence to support it. Aside from the silly "sound trucks" of the Uyoku (right-wingers) that most Japanese ignore or find annoying, where is all this Japanese nationalism??
Japan * ping * (kono risuto ni hairitai ka detai wo shirasete kudasai : let me know if you want on or off this list)
Nah, Barney was far to eager to work and pursue his job with zeal, albeit in a bungling manner. The UN would much rather send paedophiles to rape children in war-torn countries, take bribes from dictators, and ignore nut-job countries and their nuke programmes.
And here: 
"Let All The Souls Here Rest In Peace; For We Shall Not Repeat The Evil."
The nationalistic Japanese mindset died in 1945. It's not going to come back any time soon.
A strategic triangle between the US, Japan and Taiwan is starting to emerge. South Korea would be on board if not for that traitor Roh.
Kochira wa hairitai desu, risuto.
Iretokimashta (you're in). :)
Doi u imi deska?
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