Australian defense minister to tour Japan stealth submarine

Clearly China will protest this meeting and argue that Japan doesn't need to have a stealth submarine fleet unless it's Japan's plan to sneak up on China and attack it (again). I can see the headlines now.

Of course China, currently a militarist fascist state, will protest and consider this a provocation and proof that Japan is returning to a militarist fascist state.

Clearly China will protest this meeting and argue that Japan doesn't need to have a stealth submarine fleet unless it's Japan's plan to sneak up on China and attack it (again). I can see the headlines now.

Australia's the one building the fleet not Japan. Japan already has one. China just doesn't want Japan fostering strong military alliances so close to home.

China will argue that Australia wants to control the Indian Ocean with submarines.

Have no fear, the last man off forgot to throw the switch and now they cannot find the sub.

Echoing above posters: Chinese freak out in 3, 2, 1...... Wait till Japan starts supplying Coast Guard Cutters to Vietnam. Maybe Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Phillipeans will be in the market for some top-shelf gear as well.

Wow,thank you, China. You've single-handle revived Japan's defense industry.

China'a pathetic reaction is coming soon again!!! goodluck AUSIE-JAP .

What blatant ignorance. China is so late to this military build up game its not even funny. And you all act like China started it. I know you all like the status quo, with our side so outgunning their side it was like having a toothpick in a gun fight, but guess what? China didn't like it.

Australia's the one building the fleet not Japan. Japan already has one.

Both countries "already" have fleets. The Collins subs are noisy and prone to mishaps, therefore the RAN is looking for replacements. Upgrading happens with every military, and has been the case since the dawn of time.

China just doesn't want Japan fostering strong military alliances so close to home.

Yes. How sad, too bad.

@Graham DeShazo

Japan had already provided coast guard cutters to Indonesia and the Phillipines. Japan is also preparing to provide them to Vietnam as well.

If both Japan and Australia gain from the deal (ie mutually beneficial) then it should be done. There should be no other considerations, let alone what the PRC thinks.

China has serious partnerships with Russia the biggest arms dealer in the world in developing and acquiring their weapons... It's outright bigotry for China to challenge Japans options to exchange technologies with it's close neighbors.