Japan Is Flexing Its Military Muscle

Japan Is Flexing Its Military Muscle To Counter A Rising China -- New York Times

TOKYO — After years of watching its international influence eroded by a slow-motion economic decline, the pacifist nation of Japan is trying to raise its profile in a new way, offering military aid for the first time in decades and displaying its own armed forces in an effort to build regional alliances and shore up other countries’ defenses to counter a rising China.

Already this year, Japan crossed a little-noted threshold by providing its first military aid abroad since the end of World War II, approving a $2 million package for its military engineers to train troops in Cambodia and East Timor in disaster relief and skills like road building. Japanese warships have not only conducted joint exercises with a growing number of military forces in the Pacific and Asia, but they have also begun making regular port visits to countries long fearful of a resurgence of Japan’s military.

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My Comment: Japan is raising it`s military profile in response to the rise of China`s military, as well as countering the demands of other countries (South Korea, Taiwan, and China) over territorial disputes by projecting a military presence. The Chinese response to this buildup and concerns from other countries on their buildup is simple .... no need to worry. As to what is my take .... the Chinese buildup is ominous and a sign of things to come ... and Japan`s military can flex all that they want .... but they are dependent on U.S. military support.