Japan protests after N Korea fires short-range missiles

[yuiyoshida]

Source: JapanToday

TOKYO —

The Japanese government on Monday lodged a protest with North Korea over the latest missile launches, saying they posed a serious threat to safety at sea and in the sky.

North Korea fired two short-range missiles off its east coast, a defiant response to annual military exercises between South Korea and the United States but one which drew a swift protest from Japan.

The firing came hours before the U.S.-South Korean military exercises were scheduled to begin, drills which the secretive North denounces as a preparation for war.

The missiles hit the sea early on Monday morning after traveling for about 490 km, according to South Korea’s defense ministry.

In Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference, “The ballistic missile launches by North Korea are extremely problematic conduct in terms of aviation and navigation safety. We swiftly lodged a stern protest with North Korea.”

Read more: http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/japan-protests-after-n-korea-fires-short-range-missiles

[Thor_MN]

1. Dim Dong Duh celebrated hitting their target

The Sea of Japan.

[davidpdx]

2. I hadn't heard about this yet

It doesn't surprise me a bit though. Not only is it typical, the timing is predictable.

[GOLGO 13]

3. I hope Japan rearms herself

Threats from China, NK & the Russians is more than reason enough to really build up. Stern protests needs warships & Japanese Marines to back that up.

[Art_from_Ark]

4. Japan has lots of armaments

Its defense spending ranks 6th in the world. And the Russians aren't threatening Japan. In fact, Putin is trying to get Japan interested in building an undersea tunnel that links Sakhalin Island with the Japanese island of Hokkaido.

[GOLGO 13]

5. I'll not be surprised to see Japan eventually have French sized nuclear weaponry

Japanese Soryu class of submarines are already well regarded fearsome weapons. They're so much appreciated that I'm reading that the Australians are looking at either getting some of these JP. subs or perhaps doing an entire fleet swap out. China is traditionally poor in anti-submarine development/tactics.

The problem with the subs is that Japan needs a LOT more than the eight she has/had. My info is hopefully outdated.

Japanese F15J fighters are fairly close to US F15 Eagles and they have already proven their value with over 400 intercepts last year against guess who? Chinese & Russians (& others) straying into her territory. Whoops.

The problem with these fighters is that it's a 30 yr old plane so she has to be constantly upgraded with current electronic countermeasures, etc. Japan reportedly only does about a dozen plane upgrades a year. One of those things that could bite you in the ass later on. Still it's a good plane on par with whatever the Chinese could throw up at them right now. Again she doesn't have a lot of fighters (200 estimate) in case China decides to get frisky.

So yes, she does have armaments that can pack a punch. I just wish they would do away with Article 9 and spend more than 1% GDP to get better toys in case China feels like playing roshambo with her.

[Art_from_Ark]

6. Repealing Article 9 would be a terrible mistake.

In fact, it would be a horrendously stupid decision, a colossal diplomatic blunder unprecedented in postwar Japan. It would be interpreted as a sign that Japan was preparing for an aggressive war and would exacerbate already strained relations with China and the Koreas, not to mention endanger relations with other countries in the region that Japan has spent the last 70 years trying to nurture. For example, the recent dispute over the Senkaku Islands led to violent acts against Japanese companies in China, and the reaction in China to repeal of Article 9 would create a situation that would be far worse.

[Lurks Often]

7. Much will depend on the United States and how it chooses to handle our commitments

in that part of the world. If the U.S. decides to withdraw or diminish our presence there, expect Japan and South Korea to increase defense spending and even become nuclear powers due to fears of China.*

I know Japan has increased ties with both India and Australia over the past year, two other countries that are also concerned about China's statements and behavior over the past year or so.



*From what I have read in a number of places, Japan could be a nuclear power with 6-12 months, with S. Korea 6 months behind Japan.

[Art_from_Ark]

8. If the US withdraws from Japan and/or South Korea, it could lead to disaster

The US presence in both countries is not only a deterrent against China and North Korea, it also helps to keep the peace between Japan and South Korea. Relations between the two countries are cordial on the outside, but there are strains on the inside that could get out of hand if there was no mediator to physically stand between them.

[Lurks Often]

9. It'll lead to disaster in other parts of the world as well

If we don't honor our treaty commitments with S. Korea and Japan, why should other countries in the region and world trust us to honor our treaty commitments to them?