tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post1736650349820635826..comments2024-03-28T21:57:32.099+11:00Comments on Submarine Matters & Australian Nuclear Weapons: Japan May Develope Nuclear Weapon Capability: US Alliance UncertaintyPete2http://www.blogger.com/profile/06134037393078707072noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-40664513791663096142016-12-11T16:47:33.499+11:002016-12-11T16:47:33.499+11:00Hi S [at 10/12/16 11:15 AM]
Here an English langu...Hi S [at 10/12/16 11:15 AM]<br /><br />Here an English language article http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201612100041.html much in agreement with your http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20161210-00000012-asahi-pol and description. Trump will be happier with a larger Japanesee defence budget.<br /><br />Trump will be/is more compatible with the conservative Abe than centrist Obama (and Kerry) were to Abe.<br /><br />Its interesting (in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Amami-%C5%8Cshima ) how Japan's Coast Guard can actually fight a country-based vessel - ie. the N Korean "spy" vessel. So its not just pirates and smuggler vessels. China's Coast Guard is also confronting Southeast Asian naval vessels. <br /><br />When Shinzo Abe visits Australia (January 2017) he will of course meet PM Turnbull. But the centrist Turnbull only has a weak majority in Parliament - so is proving a weak leader pressured by the conservative wing of his government (a wing more like Abe).<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-37277214151628703852016-12-10T11:15:22.372+11:002016-12-10T11:15:22.372+11:00Hi Pete
Japanese government decided around 5.1 tr...Hi Pete<br /><br />Japanese government decided around 5.1 trion yen of FY2017 defense budget in cluding building of new submarine, while J Ministry of Defnese asked for 5.17 trion yen and FY2016 defense buget was 5.05 trion yen. FY20I7 budget for Japana Coast Guard will increase [1,2].<br /><br />The new submarine will equip with modified propulsion motors and diesel generaters.<br /><br />PM Abe will visit Australia, Philippines and Vietnam next January [2, 3]. PM Abe and PM Turnbull will discuss on TPP and the South China Sea.<br /><br />[1]http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20161210-00000012-asahi-pol<br />[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Coast_Guard<br />Japan Coast Guard (JCG) belongs to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and does not belong to MoD. Being different from JMDF which is a tigner but never bite, JCG is a small dog but bites very painfully as shown in battle of Amami-Ōshima (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Amami-%C5%8Cshima), where JCG sank NK spy ship armed with rocket artillery RPG-7, anti aircraft guns and mashine guns.<br />[3]http://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2016120500579&g=pols<br />[4]http://www.afr.com/news/japanese-prime-minister-shinzo-abe-likely-to-visit-australia-in-january-20161208-gt6pxz<br /><br />Regards<br />SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-45753470556252936522016-11-17T00:50:46.759+11:002016-11-17T00:50:46.759+11:00Hi Pete
I did not explain needs for mid or long t...Hi Pete<br /><br />I did not explain needs for mid or long term defense, because it is obvious. The concept, “Rule of Law” is goal. I do not think that we can suppress military threat of NK by this concept.<br /><br />Japan should denfend her territory and patiently persuade China to respect international law.<br /><br />Critism, “Only US protection allows Japan to truly believe Rule of Law is more significant than power politics” is right. But, even if it is hypocritical, do something is better than do nothing.<br /><br />Regards<br />S<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-12205723090296991812016-11-16T23:22:36.262+11:002016-11-16T23:22:36.262+11:00Hi S [16/11/16 6:54 PM]
"Rule of Law" (...Hi S [16/11/16 6:54 PM]<br /><br />"Rule of Law" (including the NPT) hasn't stopped North Korea developing nuclear weapons and long range missiles for the last few decades. NK simply walked away from the NPT "Rule of Law" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_on_the_Non-Proliferation_of_Nuclear_Weapons#North_Korea<br /><br />Now North Korea is developing nuclear missile submarines thereby putting Japan in even more peril.<br /><br />"Rule of Law" hasn't stopped China from pressing its ownership of South China Sea claim. Instead China has succesfully bribed the Philippines to disregard the Hague South China Sea ruling.<br /><br />Only US protection allows Japan to truly believe "Rule of Law" is more significant than power politics.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-56263083648327725602016-11-16T18:54:36.023+11:002016-11-16T18:54:36.023+11:00Hi Pete
When we respond to the issues, we should ...Hi Pete<br /><br />When we respond to the issues, we should prepare its solution. Nuclear armament of Japan agaist threat of NK and China is miniscaled reappearance of Cold War which was proved to be endless war of attrition. We have better avoit such a silly option, because its solution is the massive national fatigue and pain.<br /><br />Fortunately, Japanese government is realizing that the concept, “Rule of Law” is very effevtive after defeat in Hugue by Australia. The Philippines won the case of the South Chine Sea in the internation court and many countires support the Philippines. Currently, the counrties can refuse the dicision by the internation court and dissemination of this concept is time-consuming, but, it offers better solution and gathers international support.<br /><br />Regards<br />S<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-62534997266482304832016-11-16T13:41:46.835+11:002016-11-16T13:41:46.835+11:00Hi KQN [at 16/11/16 6:21 AM]
Very interesting arg...Hi KQN [at 16/11/16 6:21 AM]<br /><br />Very interesting arguments you set out including "Assuming (for now) that the US umbrella is non existent."<br /><br />In support of what you have written - unfortunately I think there is an incompatibility between businessman-Trump cutting a deal AND maintaining the US provided extended nuclear deterrence umbrella for Japan and South Korea (ROK).<br /><br />In NE Asia the US extended nuclear deterrence umbrella requires Trump's-US preparedness to go to MAD nuclear war/exchange with North Korea and NK's backer, China. This may entail millions of US deaths if China exchanges.<br /><br />Simply put - a US businessman, cutting a deal, doesn't include his own bodily (or his country's) destruction as part of a deal.<br /><br />So with this Trump-US behavioral constant in mind, Japan and ROK need to build their own deterrence. <br /><br />France has been through this thinking process. France also suspected US resolve vis a vis Russia and the French also wanted to deter a German invasion sometime AFTER WWII. So Frenchmen and French-Canadians (actually from the time of the UK "Tube Alloys" Project and then the 1942- Manhattan Project) began planning then building the nuclear deterent force France enjoys today.<br /><br />Pete Petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-83134935360772417542016-11-16T12:24:26.223+11:002016-11-16T12:24:26.223+11:00Probably comforting for Japan http://thediplomat.c...Probably comforting for Japan http://thediplomat.com/2016/11/trump-faces-early-foreign-policy-test-with-abe-meeting/Petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-52007763395866781492016-11-16T06:21:55.939+11:002016-11-16T06:21:55.939+11:00In Asia, there are 2 non democratic governments th...In Asia, there are 2 non democratic governments that have access to nuclear weapons. Assuming (for now) that the US umbrella is non existent, what are the options available for democratically elected governments in ROK and Japan? Deterrence is one.<br />At the same time, US isolationism is already weakening and will further weaken international agreements and bodies like NPT, WTO and even ONU.<br />If we take Mr. Trump at face value, then we see a person who likes to deal. After all he wrote "the art of the deal". He also said "I alone.." and as most strongmen, he will prefer to deal directly with Mr Xi and Mr. Putin to divide the world among themselves. Minor items like human rights among other things will just be brushed off the table. Let's we not forget, at Yalta, Eastern Europe was sacrificed and its fate sealed. So for Japan, ROK and the rest, it is best not to rely on that US umbrella. If it comes, it is for the better. If it does not come, you are ready as well.<br />Just as expected, Mr. Trump's sons and daughter are being vetted for top security clearance.<br />KQN<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-74731461246284472222016-11-15T20:11:12.859+11:002016-11-15T20:11:12.859+11:00Hi Pete
I highly appreciate stragetic thinking ba...Hi Pete<br /><br />I highly appreciate stragetic thinking based on medium- and long-term outlook. It is really intelligent thinking. But, prediction of nucler armament of Japan seems to be jump to the conclusion.<br /><br />As there are so many uncertainty factors (China-NK/Russia-Japan/SK-NK relationships, stability of NK, involvement of US government etc) in geopolitics of the Northeast Asia, geopolitical map in future is quite difficult to draw.<br /><br />Though great strategic threats may provide considerable effect on Japanese policymaker, Japan will not develop nuclear weapon. Because, too much lose and too little gain. Japan has gained an international reputation by its peaceful policy and international aid. Development of nuclear weapon will all of these efforts.<br /><br />Regards<br />SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-55224269288729555882016-11-15T17:10:02.645+11:002016-11-15T17:10:02.645+11:00Hi S [at 15/11/16 4:10 PM]
I admire your faith in...Hi S [at 15/11/16 4:10 PM]<br /><br />I admire your faith in the Japanese Government system (as its stands today). <br /><br />I have some different beliefs regarding some laws. I believe those laws regarding fundamentally inhumane weapons systems belong to codified politics. Laws allow these weapons to legally (without trials or charges) kill people from other countries.<br /><br />I'm mainly talking about Japan in 10+ years, facing greater strategic threats, including North Korean nuclear missile firing submarines. This will cause changes in Japanese Government thinking and the laws that it uses.<br /><br />Already under prime Minister Abe there have been new ways of thinking about the Japanese armed forces' international roles and new thinking about Japanese weapon exports (including those of highly fatal submarines).<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-6528365672055205012016-11-15T16:10:02.355+11:002016-11-15T16:10:02.355+11:00Hi Pete
Orgnization, resposiblity and authority f...Hi Pete<br /><br />Orgnization, resposiblity and authority for Japanese government are detaily and strictly specified by law. If Japanese nuclear weapon program exists, it is allocated to the MOD budget and is never allocated to the other governmental bodys. If the governmental bodys or other organizations receive fund from the government, they must make the detailed report, because Board of Audit (BoA) always requires the report.<br /><br />Even if Japanese government studys development possibility of nuclear weapon, it never means planning of development possibility of nuclear weapon. If you talk about or study Islamic State, are you its member? I do not think so.<br /><br />Is information disclosure of defense budget and weapon for other counrties crystal clear like Japan?<br /><br />Regards<br />SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-6938842429068027532016-11-15T14:40:20.572+11:002016-11-15T14:40:20.572+11:00Hi S [at 15/11/16 3:53 AM]
What Abe says publical...Hi S [at 15/11/16 3:53 AM]<br /><br />What Abe says publically is for the public to hear. A nuclear weapons program would/will require CHANGE from the current honest-legal Japanese OPEN budgeting to a more secretive approach. <br /><br />Typically nuclear weapon programs hide their whole costs and true nature:<br /><br />- partly due to the enormity of costs (Israel, Pakistan, India, N Korea, South Africa - see [1] AND<br /><br />- the need to keep (non-legal under the NPT) nuclear weapons programs secret (same 5 countries and South Africa). <br /><br />A Japanese nuclear weapon program need not be allocated to the MOD budget. For example funds paid to corporate entities associated with the multi-Trillion Yen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rokkasho_Reprocessing_Plant program. <br /><br />- money then channeled to India, AND/OR<br /><br />- Japanese Government could make secret agreements with the Indian Government to undertake the weapons development<br /> : partly paid for eg. by free Japanese amphibious aircraft for India and Japan (for "free") could help Indian build 10 of these aircraft AND/OR<br /><br />- on much larger scale barter Japanese submarine technology to India AND/OR<br /><br />- Japan secretly agrees to pay India for the cost of the nuclear weapons program (developed in India) AFTER most of the program<br /><br />- Japan agrees to work closely in military and intelligence alliance with India against their common enemy, CHINA.<br /><br />[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Africa_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction#Nuclear_weapons<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-27763199533458196572016-11-15T13:28:32.493+11:002016-11-15T13:28:32.493+11:00Hi KQN [at 15/11/16 7:08 AM]
All that you have wr...Hi KQN [at 15/11/16 7:08 AM]<br /><br />All that you have written here makes sense. I'll write more in an Article or Report to Donors next week. Part of what I think is.<br /><br />Even if US forces (as is likely) remained in Japan and South Korea the US will steadily become less likely to be prepared to go to nuclear war. This nuclear war would have been in response to a North Korean nuclear first strike against South Korea and Japan. The US recognises that China would backup North Korea with Chinese (extended in favour of NK) deterrence nuclear weapons.<br /><br />Additionally China will steadily close the nuclear weapons gap (including effective Chinese SSBNs) that previously gave the US a huge deterrence advantage. <br /><br />Japan and South Korea can talk and develop anti-missile defences against nuclear tipped ballistic and cruise missiles. But anti-missile defences will be far less effective against submarine launched NK missiles (lucky if 50% are shot down). <br /><br />This means Japanese and South Korean owned nuclear weapon deterrence will be the minimal requirement North Korea will respect.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-49831391169482163152016-11-15T07:08:28.682+11:002016-11-15T07:08:28.682+11:00With the coming isolationist and protectionist US ...With the coming isolationist and protectionist US administration, I believe it is inevitable there will be a strengthening of the India-Japan regional axis. I am guessing that Australia will be looking as well at further diversifying its strategic alliances. Unfortunately, US isolationism will seed further doubts into the worth of a US nuclear umbrella which was the de facto strategy after WW2. Leaders like PM Abe will have no choice but looking at alternatives. <br />Alternatives like rolling out a more elaborate ABM/LR-SAM umbrella. The Patriot Pac III is inadequate and Japan will need to complement the naval SM3 with either Aegis Ashore or David Sling/Arrow (why not). <br />The concern you raise with PGS is valid. My view is one could modify the Epsilon 1st stage into a quasi ballistic trajectory (especially with hypersonic MARV) so there is greater differentiation. One would trade off range but from a Japanese perspective, that can be a viable compromise. <br />KQNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-84277163457407818952016-11-15T03:53:57.750+11:002016-11-15T03:53:57.750+11:00Hi Pete
Yesterday, PM Abe said that Japan will no...Hi Pete<br /><br />Yesterday, PM Abe said that Japan will not does not have nuclear weapon [1] and suggested that he might refuse full burden of US forces station expenses for Japan [2]. <br /><br />As budget system of Japan is transparent, MoD can not develop nuclear weapon secretly. Some people misunderstand that Japan hides something [3, 4]. <br /><br />Mr. Trump is going to build fence and wall at border for Mexco and deport 2-3 million criminal illegal immigrants, trying to fit election promise with reality.<br /><br />[1]http://jp.reuters.com/article/kishida-idJPKBN138022 (JPN)<br />[2]http://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2016111400512&g=pol (JPN)<br />[3]http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/seventy-years-after-deadly-raid-japanese-submarines-may-partner-australian-fleet-20120708-21pkx.html<br />"The Japanese submarine is out there, but it's an enigma," said Steve Ludlam, the chief executive of the Australian Submarine Corporation in Adelaide,”…Submarine Matters proved it is not enigma.<br />[4]At IWC meeting, then-Minister of Environment, Peter Garrett criticized that Japan did not disclose information on whaling. But, Japan held public briefings everyday, anyone could attend the briefings and ask freely, but, no Australian attended.<br />(I am not going to disccuss on whaling in Submarine Matters, I just showed example of way of thinking.)<br /><br />Regards<br />S<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-8121428969602275722016-11-15T00:18:43.950+11:002016-11-15T00:18:43.950+11:00Hi KQN [at 14/11/16 8:30 PM]
Your theory that &qu...Hi KQN [at 14/11/16 8:30 PM]<br /><br />Your theory that "PM Abe is already hedging" is very interesting. India and Japan could initially share ballistic (eg. Epsilon) and cruise missile technology. Japan could transfer submarine technology.<br /><br />In years to come India may choose to assist on nuclear weapoms and propulsion. That is, if Japan sees the strategic situation warrants going nuclear. Japan could do much of the weapons development quietly in India to avoid Japanese public opposition.<br /><br />The Trump Happy Family look fake. I'm sure they will generate alot of drama.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />Pete Petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-82934179284081350422016-11-14T20:30:44.823+11:002016-11-14T20:30:44.823+11:00PM Abe is probably trying to understand and sound ...PM Abe is probably trying to understand and sound out President Trump's strategies in Asia this coming week. But I am also speculating that PM Abe is already hedging is own strategy given the newly minted nuclear cooperation pact with India, whom by some accounts already produced some 500+ devices.<br /><br />Mr. Trump has many advisers but he listen to and trust just a handful. They are Donald Jr., Eric, Ivanka and her husband Jared. Jared came with Mr. Trump to the WH for the 1st meeting with Obama. There is a reason these four musketeers sit on the Transition team.<br />KQNAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-32364826617919132522016-11-13T21:39:59.976+11:002016-11-13T21:39:59.976+11:00
Hi Pete
Mr. Trump requested Japan for full burde...<br />Hi Pete<br /><br />Mr. Trump requested Japan for full burden of US forces station expenses in his election time, or he might consider withdraw of US forces frorm Japan. Just now, Trump adviser, Dr. Walid Phares said to Japanese TV that it was a business strategy of Mr. Trump.<br />Mr.Trump was introduced to be very brainy and listen to others. (http://p.jcc.jp/news/11581365/, Bankisha, NIPPON TV)<br /><br />Regards<br />S<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-83429759153612243592016-11-13T15:18:47.612+11:002016-11-13T15:18:47.612+11:00Hi MHalblaub [at 12/11/16 11:53 PM] and KQN [13/11...Hi MHalblaub [at 12/11/16 11:53 PM] and KQN [13/11/16 12:45 PM]<br /><br />You've provided some terrific comments which I'll respond to as a Report published in a day or two to Donors (including you guys).<br /><br />I question the viability of global strike though.<br /><br />On Prompt Global Strike (PGS) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prompt_Global_Strike the nuclear vs non-nuclear Ambiguity (problems of nuclear respones) of ballistic missile PGS seems to have frustrated US development of an actual weapon and internationally accepted doctrine.<br /><br />PGS launched from satellites or other space platfoms eg. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_X-37 , may remove some ambiguity but would also introduce most of the weapons-from-space arms race escalations and tensions that the superpowers/great powers have luckily managed to avoid for decades.<br /><br />I think also that the increasing nuclear armament of the likely recipients (North Korea, Iran etc) of PGS weapons has further reduced the viability of PGS strategies.<br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-43880844279861132932016-11-13T12:45:41.514+11:002016-11-13T12:45:41.514+11:00There is another use for 1st stage solid fuel boos...There is another use for 1st stage solid fuel booster, hypersonic conventional strike delivery platform, like China has been testing or what is being planned for Russia's Sarmat.<br /><br />Mr. Trump will soon become the next POTUS.<br /><br />Although we are speculating as to what will be the US next foreign policy strategies, we can look at Mr. Trump's domestic programs like the massive infrastructure investment he campaigned on, the $10B++ construction of the southern Wall, the coming tax cuts, the planned increased funding for the Pentagon to see that either the printing press will be working 24 hours, 7 days a week or allies like Japan, Germany, ROK need to do all the heavy lifting or both. Will there be any money left for patrolling the seas, even though sea power is always synanymous with great power. There is also the definite possibility of rising unrest in the US taking over the administration's agenda and focus. <br /><br />Truth is the US led centric world order that is in effect after WW2 is fragmenting and crumbling down. TPP is dead, long live RCEP? It will not be Germany or Japan leaving the US alliance. There is no political or strategic gain in doing so. But it is the usefulness of alliances in the face of US isolationism. We only need to read the congratulatory message from Chancellor Merkel to President elect Trump, especially the conditions put forth on democratic values. Can alliances prosper or even survive when the majority of the people of 1 nation oppose a leader of another nation.<br />KQN<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-22143230781617161372016-11-12T23:53:22.442+11:002016-11-12T23:53:22.442+11:00Dear Sidharth,
the question about the Epsilon bei...Dear Sidharth,<br /><br />the question about the Epsilon being an ICBM is easy to answer. Just use the first stage. That is more than enough. The upper stages are for moving a satellite from low earth orbit (LEO) into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and from there into stationary orbit. <br /><br />The Epsilon rocket can lift about 1,200 kg into low earth orbit (LEO).<br />The "B" in ICBM stands for "Ballistic". So the payload for a ballistic missile can exceed this value for LEO.<br /><br />Epsilon's first stage is nothing more than the booster of the H-IIA rocket. <br />https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H-IIA<br /><br />The European Arian 5 also uses solid rocket boosters. They are derived from the French M51 missile. The boosters have a bigger diameter.<br /><br />Even without a nuclear warhead a payload of > 1,200 kg is a nasty thing on your roof top or beneath.<br /><br />Advantages<br />- no aircraft to required to deliver it<br />- harder to intercept<br /><br />Disadvantages<br />- More expensive than a GBU-31 (2,000 lb) (Not so sure because I do not know how to account the delivering aircraft like an F-35)<br />- Could be received as a nuclear attack by the enemy. Not so important against aggressors with out nukes but more and more have them. (Does the US have Nukes in Japan or only Guam?)<br /><br />Regards,<br />MHalblaubMHalblaubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14234020711635190127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-28656790275181304022016-11-12T18:13:48.243+11:002016-11-12T18:13:48.243+11:00[FROM ABOVE]
“We consider that what a candidate...[FROM ABOVE]<br /><br /><br /><br />“We consider that what a candidate said during a political campaign can be different from what the candidate will actually do after taking office,” one of the officials said.<br /><br />“There may be some issues over specific policies, but the basic relations between the two countries won’t change,” the official insisted.<br /><br />During the heated presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly painted Japan as a trade rival and said Tokyo shoulder the entire cost of maintaining U.S. military forces now stationed in the country.<br /><br />Trump said the bilateral security treaty was overwhelmingly lopsided and even threatened to withdraw U.S. troops from Japan and South Korea and let them defend themselves — possibly with their own nuclear weapons — a move that would drastically change the military balance in East Asia and possibly the world.<br /><br />“Japan is better if it protects itself against this maniac of North Korea,” Trump told CNN in an interview March 29. “They have to protect themselves or they have to pay us.”<br /><br />The military alliance with the U.S. has been the centerpiece of Japan’s diplomatic policies, as Tokyo is trying to keep China’s military expansion in both the East and South China seas in check while stopping North Korea’s nuclear weapon and ballistic missile development.<br /><br />If Trump makes good on his campaign rhetoric, it would deal a serious blow to Japan and the region.<br /><br />Abe, in Thursday’s teleconference, emphasized that peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, which he described as “the center of world economic growth,” is a source of strength for the U.S., according to the official who briefed reporters.<br /><br />A strong Japan-U.S. alliance is “indispensable” to support this peace and stability, Abe reportedly told Trump, adding he hopes to meet with him as soon as possible. Trump welcomed Abe’s proposal and agreed to adjust his schedule to meet him possibly on Nov. 17, the official said.<br /><br />Abe plans to stop in New York on his way to Lima for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit on Nov. 19 and 20.<br /><br />Japanese officials are hoping that Trump will come around once he is sworn in, but that may just be wishful thinking.<br /><br />During their conversation, Trump and Abe only exchanged diplomatic greetings and didn’t touch on any potentially sensitive defense and trade issues.<br /><br />Asked whether they will discuss sensitive issues such as defense spending and the Trans-Pacific Partnership during their first meeting in New York, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said building trust will probably take priority over specific topics.<br /><br />“Today (the two) have just agreed to meet. It’s important to first build up personal trust and talk about basic things,” Suga told a news conference Thursday. “No specific agenda to discuss has been decided yet.”Petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-38750880002129542712016-11-12T18:13:13.841+11:002016-11-12T18:13:13.841+11:00Hi S
Thanks for your 2/11/16 5:57 PM comments ab...Hi S <br /><br />Thanks for your 2/11/16 5:57 PM comments above.<br /><br />This prompted me to locate the Japan Times article of 10 November 2016 below. <br /><br />Regards Pete<br /><br />"Abe quickly sets up meeting with Trump in New York"<br />BY REIJI YOSHIDA<br />STAFF WRITER<br />NOV 10, 2016<br />http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/10/national/politics-diplomacy/abe-trump-look-meet-next-week-new-york/#.WCa-gC197b0<br />A day after Donald Trump’s shocking victory, the U.S. president-elect and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a 20-minute teleconference Thursday morning and agreed to meet on Nov. 17 in New York if possible, a senior official said.<br /><br />Abe, speaking from the Prime Minister’s Office, extended his congratulations to Trump and said he is convinced “America will be made even greater” under his leadership, he was quoted as saying by the official, who briefed reporters in Japanese.<br /><br />In response, Trump praised Abe’s economic achievements. He also said he is looking forward to working together with Abe over the next few years and will “further strengthen the great partnership” between the U.S. and Japan, the official said.<br /><br />Abe had reportedly proposed to Trump’s team that the two leaders chat by phone after the election. Abe is reportedly the fourth foreign leader to have spoken with Trump since the election.<br /><br />Like other countries, Japan is eager to build ties with the maverick businessman. Before the election, Abe met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in September in New York on her request, but did not meet with Trump.<br /><br />Usually, a Japanese prime minister won’t agree to meet with a U.S. presidential candidate, according to Japanese officials.<br /><br />After Trump cemented his victory, senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office scrambled to minimize any potential political damage by playing down the negative aspects of Trump’s election.<br /><br />During the campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized what he described as an unfair security treaty with the Japan. Abe has based all of his foreign policy on Japan’s military ties with the U.S.<br /><br />Later, senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office rushed to make contact with Trump before he gets sworn in on Jan. 20.<br /><br />[MORE BELOW]Petehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-72847354218986808882016-11-12T17:57:20.470+11:002016-11-12T17:57:20.470+11:00Hi Pete
Japanese government quickly responds to w...Hi Pete<br /><br />Japanese government quickly responds to winning of Mr. Trump. Japan’s ambassador, Kenichiro Sasae contacted the senator Jeff" Sessions III and son in law of Mr. Trump, Mr.Jared Kushner and realized telephone meeting between PM Abe and next President. According to Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Mr. Kishida, Japanese government has tried to make contact pipe with Trump camp early this year considering that Mr.Trump may also win. MOFA executive relieved “There is chemistry between PM and Mr. Trump.” [correction made] He revealed Japan is going to input its idea into Mr. Trump, before determination of personnel affairs and forgein policy of next US administration [1].<br /><br />Coming meeting in New York between PM Abe and Mr. Trump on Nov/17 will be quite important.<br /><br />In this morning, ex-Minister of Defense, Mr. Onodera suggested Japan should adopt more independent defense policy. But, I do not think even hawkish current government support development of nuclear weapon system.<br /><br />[1] http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20161110-00000150-jij-pol1<br /><br />Regards<br />SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19245896.post-60246833912517358342016-04-02T20:15:55.989+11:002016-04-02T20:15:55.989+11:00Hi Sidharth
I think if Trump become President and...Hi Sidharth<br /><br />I think if Trump become President and he continues his let South Korea and Japan become nuclear armed "policy" then Japan, which has spent more than $25 Billion on reprocessing facilities, can alter those facilites to be fit for purpose.<br /><br />In contrast South Korea has been banned from reprocessing https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korean_nuclear_research_programs#Early_nuclear_ambitions<br /><br />Enriched U is a less complex root in terms of device. This is noting that the US in 1945 did not need to test the Little Boy U gun-type device before using it. <br /><br />If some in South Korea again become interested in such possibilities then that may cause some factions in the Japanese military to want to keep pace or move in front. <br /><br />Regards<br /><br />PetePetehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02624742078679760819noreply@blogger.com