Japan is re-arming
japan, with the enthusiastic encouragement of the usa, is re-arming. it seems to me that wherever the usa involves itself, destruction and chaos follows – look what a mess it has made of the middle east. japan's re-emergence as a military power is not welcome and whatever happens, australia will be involved. not looking good if you ask me.
“japan's abe government recently announced a cabinet decision that commits japan to the principle of collective self-defense. tokyo, in other words, can use force not only in self-defense but also to help an ally in peril, even if japan itself is not under attack.
despite its peace constitution, japan boasts one of the largest militaries in the world. it is the eighth largest military spender in the world - ahead of all other asian countries except china - and it's planning to increase its spending substantially over the next five years.
it already ranks in the top ten in the global firepower index. new fighter jets, naval destroyers, and surveillance drones will likely push it higher on the list. japan has already made a commitment to the united states to purchase 42 f-35s, the mishap-prone fighter jet, at a total cost of around 10 billion dollars.”
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/japan/jap-01-100714.html
With China throwing its weight around and bullying its near neighbours, I see many positives in Japan re-arming and taking a more active role in security in its region. We need nations able to stand up to China and maintain peace in thePacific/China sea area.