Japan Could Soon Become The Newest And Most Voracious Arms Buyer On The Planet

[xchrom]

http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-could-soon-become-the-newest-and-most-voracious-arms-buyer-on-the-planet-2012-12



The Philippines would support Japan dropping its pacifist constitution to become a fully fledged military force and act as a balance against a rising China, a government spokesman said Monday.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Philippines would strongly support a rearmed Japan -- its World War II foe -- as a counterweight to what it sees as Chinese provocation.

"We are looking for balancing factors in the region and Japan could be a significant balancing factor," he told the paper amid growing tensions over the South China Sea, almost all of which is claimed by China.

Foreign department spokesman Raul Hernandez confirmed the government's view that Japan should upgrade its military from a self defence force so that it has more freedom to operate in the region.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/japan-could-soon-become-the-newest-and-most-voracious-arms-buyer-on-the-planet-2012-12#ixzz2EesrySft

[Jackpine Radical]

1. Oh, shit, yes.

Let's just re-shuffle the sides and get WWII going again. Although, come to think of it, that one started in the pacific when Japan went after China in the late 30's.

[hack89]

2. Japan already has a large and modern military

the "Defense Force" title became a farce a long time ago.

[former-republican]

4. There's certain things they hold back on due to our treaty with them

and it's not just nuclear weapons.

[hack89]

5. The only other thing I can think of are cruise and ballistic missiles

but even then, their warships are now built with vertical launch systems that can handle Tomahawk missiles. They could have an operational capability in a very short while.

Their air force already has an aerial refueling capability, they are building small aircraft carriers and calling them destroyers, and they are building subs with air independent propulsion systems. Toss in Aegis destroyers and AWACS aircraft and they could take on the Chinese navy and air force if needed.

[former-republican]

3. Japan would be scary if unleashed

They certainly have the capabilities to build a formidable high tech military.

[jsr]

6. Japan could go nuclear in months

It's widely acknowledged that Japan has the tools and knowledge to produce nuclear warheads - and deliver them.

[Javaman]

7. Just a matter of time...

Japan is resource scarce. As resources around the world dry up, Japan will need to do something. Just as they did in WWII.