Japan Moves to Allow Military Combat for First Time in 70 Years - Is this good for the US?

2015-07-17T19:58:27-04:00

Is Japan's historic military budget and new war powers good for the United States?

In January 2015, Japan’s cabinet has approved a 4.98 trillion yen (approximately $42 billion) defense budget, the largest absolute sum allocated for defense in the country’s history.

Today (July 17), defying broad public opposition and large demonstrations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won a crucial vote in Parliament on Thursday for legislation that would give Japan’s military limited powers to fight in foreign conflicts for the first time since World War II.

Mr. Abe’s party and its allies in the lower house of Parliament approved the package of 11 security-related bills after opposition lawmakers walked out in protest and as demonstrators chanted noisily outside, despite a gathering typhoon. The upper chamber, which Mr. Abe’s coalition also controls, is all but certain to endorse the legislation as well.

The vote was the culmination of months of contentious debate in a society that has long embraced pacifism to atone for wartime aggression. It was a significant victory for Mr. Abe, a conservative politician who has devoted his career to moving Japan beyond guilt over its militarist past and toward his vision of a “normal country” with a larger role in global affairs.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/17/world/asia/japans-lower-house-passes-bills-giving-military-freer-hand-to-fight.html?_r=0

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 17 at 2015 8:04 PM

2015-07-17T20:04:51-04:00

Interesting. SGM Matthew Quick Many of our former adversaries are now our closest allies.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jul 17 at 2015 8:11 PM

2015-07-17T20:11:21-04:00

SGM Matthew Quick Well we have Germany, Italy, and Japan as allies, can we win over Russia?

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Jul 17 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-07-17T20:26:57-04:00

Why not? I don't think they will attempt the hole world domination again.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 17 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-07-17T20:47:08-04:00

There was a time when we essentially provided for Japan's defense. Now I think the reality is setting in that China is a growing threat and we are an undependable Ally. After all, look how we've thrown Israel under the bus.

If there's one thing you should know about the Eastern mindset, it's that Easterners have long memories and they don't forget an offense. The Chinese well remember what Japan did during WWII and karma's a bitch. It's only logical that the Japanese would sense growing hostility from China (as the Chinese move to enforce their claims on the Spratley Islands), and conclude that they need to take more interest in their own defense.

So long as the Japanese aren't renewing their interest to go back on the offensive, we have nothing to worry about.

Response by Capt Michael Halpin made Jul 17 at 2015 9:27 PM

2015-07-17T21:27:44-04:00

This time they are on our side; that's goos!

Response by Cpl Tim Lang made Jul 18 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-07-18T08:46:31-04:00

Practically speaking, this is a very good thing for the US. We have been scaling back our military spending and having our allies take on a greater share is a good thing. In fact cumulative the strength of the US and our allies is a greater assurance of stability than the US alone. However, this could be a warning signal that our allies do not feel that they can depend on us the way they used to. This should be of great concern to us. Japan has been steadfast in backing us on many initiatives and we do have an obligation to them.

But of even greater concern is that if our allies perceive weakness in us, then our enemies do as well. When Ronald Reagan ran for president, we had an element of the political world that insisted he would be the crazy man that pressed the proverbial nuclear button. But that didn't happen. What did happen was peace during his administration. We have not had peace since Ronald Reagan. Every president since then has dealt with a war. In part at least, we had peace during Reagan's tenure because the world knew that aggression toward the US was a no win situation. The early history of the US reveals a similar situation. Jefferson sent forces to suppress the Barbary pirates. This worked until we were in the midst of the war of 1812. At that time, we were not able to deal with a "war" on two fronts and the Barbary Pirates saw that as an opportunity to commence with their pillaging and slave trade.

We should think about this before scaling back our military in such a manner as we are.

Response by Sgt Nick Marshall made Jul 18 at 2015 8:47 AM

2015-07-18T08:47:52-04:00

I think it is good for the US economically, but bad for world peace. There is still a lot of enmity between China and Japan, throw North Korea into the mix...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-07-19T09:48:45-04:00

I am sure both of my grandfathers (now dead) would be surprised to read this news, but probably not against it. Japan has been a loyal partner working with us for decades, and with our national financial constraints, and our (in my opinion) shaky pivot to the Pacific, I think its good having partners that are more capable to take on other missions.

Response by SGT Douglas Blackwood made Jul 19 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-07-19T16:05:58-04:00

Every country has the right to defend itself either in defense of or in offense to an aggressive action.

Response by PO3 Shayna Stevens made Jul 20 at 2015 11:23 AM

2015-07-20T11:23:34-04:00

Wow.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jul 27 at 2015 9:28 PM

2015-07-27T21:28:25-04:00

I think its long overdue.
China and North Korea will step a little bit more carefully knowing that Japan is going to be more militarily self sufficient. Old memories don't die, and the Chinese and Koreans know full well what a pissed off Japan can do. Would Japan resort to the old ways? I do not know but I think we will see what happens if China continues to push its influence where its not welcome.