Japan threatens build up of military forces amid rising tensions with China

[ErnstBlofeld]

The Telegraph:

The defence ministry is reported to be exploring plans to expand the size of the Japan's ground personnel by 13,000 troops – almost 10 per cent – as early as next year. The expansion would be the first in almost 40 years and come amid growing regional tensions, particularly in areas where China's navy is increasingly active.

The proposal – which is expected to be in Japan's new national defence programme that is compiled by the end of the year – also reportedly aims to help deal with terrorism threats and natural disasters. But it is the tense diplomatic stand off with China which is the more immediate backdrop. Japan and China are in dispute following the initial detention of the crew of a Chinese boat near disputed islands in the region. The captain of the boat is still under detention.

China has halted senior government level contact between the two nations and yesterday ruled out a meeting between the two countries' leaders at the United Nations gathering in New York this week. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman also warned other countries not to become involved: "We resolutely oppose any country which has no connection to the South China Sea getting involved in the dispute, and we oppose the internationalisation, multilateralisation or expansion of the issue. It cannot solve the problem, but make it more complicated."

China has cancelled planned talks on issues such as aviation rights and withdrawn an invitation for 1,000 young Japanese to attend the Shanghai Expo.

Japan has insisted meanwhile that its actions were legal. It has urged its powerful neighbour to resist fuelling nationalism. "What is most important is that government officials in Japan, China and other countries try not to fuel narrow-minded, extreme nationalism," Yoshito Sengoku, the chief secretary to the cabinet, told a news conference.

The proposal to increase Japan's ground force staff is likely to focus on southerly regions which are home to a string of disputed islands – including those at the heart of the current row – as well as underwater energy resources.

China's heavy investment in the modernisation of its military forces, in particular its navy, is also increasing Japanese concern.

[Valin]

Ok, who's in the least bit surprised?

[ErnstBlofeld]

Ok, who's in the least bit surprised?

Its very usual especially of the Japanese Pacifist Policy

[Valin]

Ok, who's in the least bit surprised?

Its very usual especially of the Japanese Pacifist Policy

 

 

Policies can change.

[ErnstBlofeld]

Ok, who's in the least bit surprised?

Its very usual especially of the Japanese Pacifist Policy

 

 

Policies can change.

 

Your right.

[ErnstBlofeld]

http://www.mod.go.jp/e/d_policy/dp01.html

 

Constitution of Japan and Right of Self-Defense