[TigerLikesRooster]

Well, I am sure Chinese take notice.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Ping!

[Moonman62]

Yep, a lot of countries in the region wouldn't like it.

[GSlob]

While considering the acceptability, one needs to consider feasibility as well. The targets are protected. The easiest way to take them out [short of massive manned effort which would need a lot of equipment and be very risky] would be rocketry nuking.

[Southack]

Taiwan just test-launched its new medium-range missile. India just test-launched its new long-range missile. The U.S. just parked a few of its many anti-missile AEGIS ships on both sides of North Korea, and now Japan is rattling its saber about attacking North Korea.

Perfection. This is how global diplomacy is pursued by adults. No kow-towing. No appeasement.

Talks on the one hand, military force on the other.

How refreshing to see global coordination against North Korea (e.g. 13 nations boarding NK's ships) rather than Madeline Halfbright-style concessions.

Life is good!

[nopardons]

As they are meant to.

[Republican Wildcat]

Japan could send a clear message by repealing Article 9 of their Constitution. It is now outdated - Japan has fully modernized and is no longer vulnerable to becoming a dictatorial, military regime again, bent on building an empire.

[Redcloak]

As they probably don't want to see a re-militarized Japan, I imagine that they would indeed take notice.

[silverleaf]

We should "interpose no objection" to a Japanese doctrine of strategic preemption. Especially since the ROK has become la la land regarding their evil cousins in the north.

A re militarized Japan just might help cause China and Russia to curb their enthusiasm for arming Pyongyang and snickering at us while their jackass eater throws sand at all the other kids in the sandbox.

[IrishMike]

Japanese islands total less than the size of California, but with half the population of the United states.
They are the second largest economy, and it would be foolish to sit back while North Korea continues 'testing' long range missiles. Blackmail or aggression on Japan by North Korea, whatever the ploy, the land of the rising sun will have to protect its citizens. The hostilities from North Korea along with the aggression overtly displayed by China in its quest for resources, threaten Japan.
The Japanese realize they can depend on the United States BUT it is also time to step into the batters box. They can easily afford to arm and defend themselves and slow these rogue and despot Nations, that belligerence towards the United States is simply not enough to intimidate Japan, among others.
Less than 24 hours after the N Korean 'tests', Japan imposed additional sanctions, and the very thought and talk of preemptive strike by Japan is something that must horrify China.
Count the days, it will be few, before North Korea starts to listen very attentively to China.

[Gengis Khan]

This is a good idea although I am not sure if pacifist Japan would go ahead with pre-emptive strikes on NK's nuclear installations but they certainly have all the necessary technological and military strength to do the damage. If they do actually go ahead with the pre-emptive strikes there would be a lesson there for India to learn, that can repeat on NK's other ally Pakistan and Iran.

Most importantly it will send a message around all the rogue wannabe nuke powers that they will not get away with nuclear blackmail. Any such attempt will invite massive and real damage, not simply harsh words.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Which Chinese General said, "I fear we have woken a sleeping giant and filled him with a terrible resolve."

[LibWhacker]

TORA! TORA! TORA!

Do it.

[wolfcreek]

Get our troops out of SK and the Japanese can do what they want. Right now, they're sitting ducks.

[joe fonebone]

see what happens when you piss off the japenese!!!

[Jonah Hex]

"I'm here to kick ass and chew gum... and I'm all out of gum."

[From One - Many]

china is treading in deep water, the sharks are gathering
oh......... north korea is the bad one....
china and north korea are treading in deep water, the sharks are gathering

[redgolum]

This will shake things up!

What type of strike capability does Japan have? Aren't their planes and missiles of limited range?

[Bogey78O]

The question is simple.

Does China want a militaried Japan?

Everything I know about Chinese fears, says "No".

[McGavin999]

The US will stand firmly behind Japan, of course, I'm sure that China realizes that Japan is a far worse enemy than the US would ever be because they will not stop with half measures in order to prevent world condemnation. Once armed, Japan will remain armed.

[unixfox]

This can't be true, the U.N. is gonna take care of the problem.

< /sarc >