[Aquinasfan]

We need to let Japan arm itself. We need a balance of power in the Pacific.

[rhc2000]

It would take Japan 5 minutes to re-arm itself.

[aegiscg47]

Japan's fleet and air force would make short work of the Chinese navy. The Japanese fleet is hi-tech, well trained, and can sustain long term combat operations if necessary. The last thing China wants to do at this time is piss off Japan, where the attitudes towards the military have changed greatly in the last few years(for the positive). All Japan needs is some power projection, a.k.a. carriers, and they could dominate that region themselves. Of course if they would name the carriers Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu, etc.., we could have some problems!