Posted on 02/03/2020 2:02:47 PM PST by Kid Shelleen
A Japanese destroyer left for the Gulf of Oman on Sunday amid simmering Middle East tension to guard sea lanes that supply nearly all the oil that powers the world’s third-biggest economy.
“Thousands of Japanese ships ply those waters every year including vessels carrying nine tenths of our oil. It is Japan’s lifeline,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told the crew at Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo, before they cast off in a ceremony attended by 500 family members and representatives from the United States, European nations and Middle East.
Abe’s government has said it is prepared to authorize force to protect ships in danger, a controversial decision because Japan’s war-renouncing constitution forbids the use of military force in international disputes.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
They no longer have the ability or will. They do need to be VERY concerned that they do not allow China to establish regional hegemony. China has both the ability AND the will. In fact, they have a plan and are executing it. Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have a combined GDP of only about half that of China, and unless they are ready to accept their new Chinese masters, they better get together with a coherent plan themselves.
Iran best not send it’s Kerry style boats to challenge the Japes... They won’t roll over and play dead like the USN. ..
As long as their ships don’t start heading to MIDWAY
“I wonder how the Irannians and Chicoms are going to take the news.”
Given the capability of the JMSDF, they won’t like it at all.
May as well be another American ship.
Japan has the 3rd best navy in the world and centuries of martial experience at sea...an unbroken line of experience and tradition.
And their ships are as good as ours.
Here is the truth about Russia in a few sentences....
They remain a nuclear superpower. Outside of that, their total GDP is far less than California and Texas. It is less than New York’s total GDP. They are economically weak given their large population. Their GDP is shrinking each year and without energy exports they are dead in the water.
The future of war will be dominated by the economic superpowers as emerging and new technologies change warfare as we know it. This is why “Space Force” was and is a great idea. The Japanese military is very competent based on my experience with them and their technology is among the best in the world.
Outside of nuclear weapons, and they may go there if Kim cannot behave himself, the economy and industrial base of Japan is far beyond that of Russia.
“Let us tell you who we are..
We are gentlemen of Japan..”
Your estimates of China’s GDP relative to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan are not current or correct. The Chinese economy has shrunk rapidly since Trump implemented tariffs. Japan’s economy has grown significantly since the new US-Japan Bilateral Trade Agreement. The Japanese were smart enough to work with President Trump very early. Their competitors, like Germany, France, the UK, and particularly China, all dragged their feet and have suffered tremendously.
You have to realize that the Chinese are inveterate liars. Any statistic they claim is undoubtedly false and likely significantly overinflated to overstate their successes and underplay their problems.
I didn't offer any "estimates", but used World Bank data. About half is currently a reasonable ball park figure, and wasn't even central to the point. The point is, China is rapidly expanding their Navy and other armed forces, and is approaching the capability to deny Japan, Taiwan and South Korea the ability to operate in their own region. Not only are these three countries not matching China's military expansion, they are not working together, as would be required to counter China. Even if China can't continue expanding at the pace they are, these countries shouldn't rely on the USA to protect them. Picking nits does nothing to advance a point.
LOL. Russia!, Russia!, Russiaaaaa!
zat you Hillary?
As I said, the Chinese statistics are erroneous. The World Bank is one of the worst institutions to use for economic statistics. They were one of the worst agencies for not being able to predict the crash of 2008. It is not sensible to rely on their claims about China today.
And you’re simply wrong about the purported expansion of the Chinese navy overtaking Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan combined. All three of those countries were early signatories to President Trump’s trade reset policies and have reaped the financial benefits for years. You’re certainly not going to get that information from any mainstream media outlet. The MSM and their Marxocrat colleagues want you to believe the world is going to end because “Trump.”
Put down the crack pipe.
“And we have a little list”
Honestly, Japan has long needed to do more here. So have the Yurps. After all, they are the ones dependent on Middle Eastern oil - not us.
I guess you’re the expert on world economy, because, well, the internet. It doesn’t matter who you believe. IMF, World Bank, JP Morgan, Capital Economics, etc. All have numbers that are in the same “ballpark”.
I have actually followed China’s naval buildup, as I was required to study their Order of Battle every time I deployed to or passed through the region. Not just ship numbers, but their actual or estimated capabilities and limitations. They are outpacing all of the mentioned countries in building. Missiles, Aircraft, Ships, overall forces. They are out spending Japan, S Korea and Taiwan combined 2:1. And Japan, despite her huge economy, is spending only 1% of GDP on her military. China is building with a stated goal of hegemony, and their actions match their plan. Their military spending is second only to the USA. It wasn’t long ago, their forces were a joke, but they are rapidly replacing old Vietnam era junk with modern, new equipment.
You should probably visit China a few times before you dismiss them so quickly. They surely have issues, but they are still a rising power, both economically and militarily.
This has nothing to do with Trump. Their buildup started well before he was president and will continue long after he leaves. He is a bump on a very long road for them. Unless other nations are willing to step up and push back against them, especially their neighbors, Trump’s successes will be short lived.
Completely agree. They steal from the Russian military too. And not just military, but industrial and consumer technology. Our research universities are filled with Chinese students who are only there to commit military and industrial espionage. This has allowed them to make huge advancements without the massive expenditures and time we invested. All I'm saying is folks need to take them seriously. Just because Trump is getting tough with them doesn't mean they will give up.
I wonder if the Japanese Navy is using their old WW2 era naval ensign. That ‘’meatball’’ with the radiating red stripes on the white background .
Wow. So they are still using that WW2 era flag. Man, I dunno. That thing has a bit of a bloody history.
But, But admin schitt just said that President Trump was going to give the Ruskies ALASKA!!!
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