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Obama says U.S.-Japan alliance a security 'cornerstone'

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Now Japan can sleep well ! By the way, how many times this phrase has been repeated by America?

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Who is going to take Obama's words seriously??? Not even those who voted him!! By the way, Mr Obama was awared the 'Reminbi' rather than this matter.... The Japanese has detained a Chinese navy officer and China now detained 4 Japanese for filming in China...so this is a showdown time!!!

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Yeah, Mr President finally said it, "China needs to go through us first before touching Japan". Don't know how to react to Mr. Obama's comment, it could be good news for us anyway since our economy is coming back to life, and it is time to waste some money on some Chinese blood Lol!!

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martinli92 at 07:07 AM JST - 24th September The Japanese has detained a Chinese navy officer and China now detained >4 Japanese for filming in China...so this is a showdown time!!!

Are you stating that the Captain of he Chinese fisjing boat who rammed two Japanese Coat Guard vessels was a CHINESE NAVAL OFFICER???

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Well China pushed to test our resolve. Now they have it. They can shut up now and start behaving again.

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@martinli92,

Well, at least we know that democrats are supporting Mr. Obama's policies no matter what he does. But hey, at least he is trying to fix a lot of issues for us right? like the economy....

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OssanAmerica: When one says our do you mean USA or Japan?

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@Ossan,

Nah, that captain is not a naval officer, but they might be saying it just to make this matter look more serious HA!

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ICBM70:"Yeah, Mr President finally said it, "China needs to go through us before touching Japan"

Obama never said or even implied that. The U.S. is not going to get involved militarily in this silly dispute.

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U.S, will fulfill whatever laws or treaties we have with other countries, I think it is the right way to go! If we don't follow through with what we have written, noboby will take us seriously. So, we will do whatever the treaty says regarding Japan's security.

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Obama resolved what???? Can you tell me a single thing Mr Obama has resolved? His team was a complete mess,uncompetent over any issue and he is just buying time for himself?/ Did he solved the 'Cheonan' incident? China still holds the key of 'King making in Korean peninsula' and that requires Chinese cooperation, that matter the lives of US troops in nthe Peninsula...so I hope his execellency sit downs and talks if he doesnt wants to see any sticky hot issue like the middle east progress!!!

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@Sarge,

Hey, never say never, you don't know what Mr. Obama's comment really meant? I could be wrong by saying that, but hey, did Mr. Obama actually told you, "Oh yeah, we are not going to war with China because japan is just not worthy of defending"?

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Sarge at 07:18 AM JST - 24th September ICBM70:"Yeah, Mr President finally said it, "China needs to go through >us before touching Japan" Obama never said or even implied that. The U.S. is not going to get >involved militarily in this silly dispute.

That depends entirely on your definition of "dispute". If the Chinese totally lose it and send PLAN warships to the Senkakus with landing troops, do you honestly think we aren't going to be involved?

"The diplomatic dispute over Japan’s Sept. 7 detention of a Chinese fishing boat captain in disputed waters has caught the attention of the U.S. military, which relies on Japan to provide bases and other support for American forces. Japan is one of two security treaty allies for the U.S. in the region, along with South Korea.

“We’re watching that tension very, very carefully,” said Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Barack Obama’s top military adviser. “Obviously we’re very, very strongly in support of our ally in that region, Japan,” he told reporters at the Pentagon today.Defense Secretary Robert Gates, conducting a joint briefing with Mullen, added, “We would fulfill our alliance responsibilities.” The two leaders, who spoke in response to questions, didn’t comment further."

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-09-23/clinton-urges-dialogue-in-china-japan-dispute.html

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@Ossan,

Although a possibility of war is small, I am pretty sure that U.S will definitely follow whatever protocols we have in the U.S-Japan security treaty.

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ICBM70 at 07:31 AM JST - 24th September @Ossan, Although a possibility of war is small, I am pretty sure that U.S will >definitely follow whatever protocols we have in the U.S-Japan security >treaty.

Agree on both points.

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If the Chinese totally lose it and send PLAN warships to the Senkakus with landing troops, do you honestly think we aren't going to be involved?

The US has made it it's business to be 'involved' in this part of the world since before the Treaty of Wangxia, in 1844, which was closely followed by the 'gunboat diplomacy' of Commodore Perry in 1853 at Uraga. It was first engaged in direct military involvement during the Boxer Rebellion of 1899. It was involved in colonial attempts to carve China up not long after that. It funded and militarily aided the Chinese nationalist forces through WW2 and beyond against Communist and Japanese forces, again fought the Chinese Communists in Korea and again in Vietnam. I think you need to understand that the US has long been involved with China and this region, and that at the heart of this involvement is prosperity (read: hegemony), homeland security and the protection of military strength.

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Getting very excited?

What did US do in Dokdo conflict after Japan lost tens of soldiers? The island is still territory of Korea?

What did US do to help Japan recover Sakhalin island, still owned by Russia?

Man, for Americans, US national interest come before Japanese national interest.

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@tian4670

Ignoring the absurdity of the notion that the US will launch an offensive against Russia over Sakhalin (which Japan is not even claiming), Japan hasn't exchanged fire with anyone since the US-Japan Security Treaty was signed in 1960. Why would the US start a war for Japan when Japan isn't fighting one?

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Which country, other than the US, will help defend Japan in the event of an attack? Name one.

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China has a large strong military and has the right to defend its possessions such as the Diaoyu Islands that go back to the Ming dynasty. That was long before the existence of the US. I believe in all honesty, the situation should be resolved through diplomacy. Release the Captain and keep the ship, then carry on through International court.

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What about the treaty of shimonoseki?

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China's convenient claim to the Senkakus staring in 1970 is laughable... Let the judicial process take place first then yap away. Let's also see how long it will be before China starts crying a river about the Dalai Lama's planned visit to Hiroshima with the Nobel Laureates' meeting and trying to escalate the matter further.

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@tian4670:

You remember those supposed Quing dynasty maps you love to talk about well take a look at them again they claim Sakhalin (Kuye, Karafuto),and other part of Russia (strange how China isn't ready to push those claims!)

I guess the only reason it thought it could push the Senkaku one was it thinks Japan isn't capable of fighting them off but I think the USA is and if you think they won't then guess again, The USA cannot afford to be weak on this defense treaty seeing it is it's most clearly written one and it's strongest one, if they don't follow through on this ones then every other one falls and President Obama knows that.

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@dreamdrifter I thought Japan still want claim Tokdo and Northern islands. When did Japan give up those islands/rocks?

China's convenient claim to the Senkakus staring in 1970 is laughable...

Chinese claims and protests have been ignored.

US did not always honor his promises. Its decisions based more on ROI (return on investment). When it find that damage is bigger than benefit, than it will re-interpret its promises. Remember, Americans talk about 'national interest' more often than, 'justice, promise' etc. High hope will lead to high disappointment, my friend.

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Which country, other than the US, will help defend Japan in the event of an attack? Name one.

The U.S. will certianly defend Japan militarly..but Japan can count on Australia and New Zealand for assitance as per bilateral agreement.

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It will be stronger if the US closes many of its bases and stops supporting the Japanese economy. The US can spend some of its savings to upgrade Japan's defense systems with equipment made in the US. Both economies win!

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What did US do to help Japan recover Sakhalin island, still owned by Russia?

Japana and Russia never signed a peace treaty for WWII. Sakhalin islands are internationally recognized as Russian Property and there is NOTHING the U.S. do about it. Its a matter for the Japanese and Russians to resolve themselves. Russians "won" those islands during war time and they have the right to "own" them according to international law.

What did US do in Dokdo conflict after Japan lost tens of soldiers? The island is still territory of Korea?

The U.S. government has told S. Korea and Japan many, many, many times that the Dokdo islands is an issue for Japan and S. Korea to solve themselves. S. Korea and Japan has asked the U.S. government to help resolve the situation, but the U.S. has refused. Dokdo islands are internationally regonized as Japanese territory and there is NOTHING the U.S. can do about it.

The Senkaku islands are internationally recoginzed as Japanese territory since 1895. Ancient chinese history doesnt matter to the modern international world, because the islands are internationally recognized as Japanese territory there is NOTHING the U.S. can do about it. If Japanese want to protect them...then they can ask the U.S. military to protect those islands..if Japan wants to give the islands away to China thats JAPANS choice...not the U.S.

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The U.S. government has told S. Korea and Japan many, many, many times that the Dokdo islands is an issue for Japan and S. Korea to solve themselves. S. Korea and Japan has asked the U.S. government to help resolve the situation, but the U.S. has refused. Dokdo islands are internationally regonized as Japanese territory and there is NOTHING the U.S. can do about it.

Japan tried many times since 1953 to recover the island/rock from S Korea. The only result is Japanese lost more than tens of soldiers there, and S Korea stations more army on the island/rock. S Korea still controls the island and claim ownership over it.

The Senkaku islands are internationally recoginzed as Japanese territory since 1895. Ancient chinese history doesnt matter to the modern international world, because the islands are internationally recognized as Japanese territory there is NOTHING the U.S. can do about it. If Japanese want to protect them...then they can ask the U.S. military to protect those islands..if Japan wants to give the islands away to China thats JAPANS choice...not the U.S.

Even US recognizes Japan has admin right on the island. Sovereignty? US says nothing about it.

Your 'International' involves probably Japan as its sole member. As an Australian, I have no idea that the government has shown any positions on these 2 conflicts.

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Albani-I must commend you guys that has posted comments inview of the Chinese/Japanese boat incident which has taken its toll on variouse exchange programmes and bailateral issues involving both nations.as a liberal myself i love reasonable and constructive arguments, not robotic idears bought from somebody.unfortunately, ever since the rift between both countries, i havent read any comment agaian about the marines not able to defend Japan, and should leave. anyone still with a myopic view of the U.S./Japan alliance should note that its the bedrock of Japan security come what may. Cheers.

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Japan tried many times since 1953 to recover the island/rock from S Korea. The only result is Japanese lost more than tens of soldiers there, and S Korea stations more army on the island/rock. S Korea still controls the island and claim ownership over it.

I will say it again. US policy on the Dokdo/Takeshima Island issue has been and continues to be that the United States does not take a position on either Korea's claim or Japan's claim to the island.

In 1905, Dokdo was the first part of Korean territory to be annexed by Japan. Japan claims the islands as Japan did not renounce of sovereignty over the Dokdo islands after its defeat in World War II. S. Korea administers the island...but the island is internationally recognized as Japaense territory. If Japan wants to kick off the koreans..they have the legal right to do so.

As an Australian, I have no idea that the government has shown any positions on these 2 conflicts.

Well then you need to educate yoruself and stop reading chinese communist newspapers.

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As an Australian, I have no idea that the government has shown any positions on these 2 conflicts

You claim to "live" in australia...then you would know last year Australia named China as Australia's biggest strategic threat. Did you know that?? Maybe you didnt.

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Which country, other than the US, will help defend Japan in the event of an attack? Name one.

If an unprovoked attack, many countries would rally behind Japan. The US, on the other hand, is obliged under contract to do so.

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ICBM70 said,

U.S, will fulfill whatever laws or treaties we have with other countries, I think it is the right way to go! If we don't follow through with what we have written, noboby will take us seriously. So, we will do whatever the treaty says regarding Japan's security.

The US government doesn`t even follow its own constitution so I have a hard time believing they will adhere to other verbiage.

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What does cornerstone mean in this context?

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I guess Bill Clinton would say, "it depends on what is is"

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Some thoughts.

Japan should hold on to this guy as long as they want to. Doing so will reveal the true colors of China to all of Asia. China wants to be a bully, let her, it will hurt her more than Japan. The US sent a very clear message to China 'Mess with Japan, you mess with us." China thinks they are ready to challenge everyone in Asia, but their navy is inadequate and they are still several years away from any kind of balance with US power. And they know it.

In all, call China's bluff Japan. Follow your own due process and let China make fools of themselves in front of the world. It is about time we started to see the true colors of China. She is still a totalitarian state despite her capitalist greed and facade.

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Obama's throwing diplomacy at Japan - Gotcha Kan!!

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@tian4670:

You conveniently chose to ignore what I wrote concerning your view that these islands are Chinese based on historical documents and maps from the Quing dynasty maps 20th century Quing maps claim Sakhalin (Kuye, Karafuto),and other part of Russia and not the Senkakus, how come China is using maps and documents to claim these islands but not the Russian held territories on those same documents.

I guess Russia is a little harder target you know the type that shoots back!

China was betting Japan would fold but instead it held its ground and may be about to use its trump card and if they thought President Obama would be soft they made a big miscalculation, its an election year in the USA and he will never allow himself to be viewed as soft toward communist China but the Chinese leaders would not understand that because they don't have any form or real elections and don't need to worry about public opinion during elections.

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@limboinjapan

We are talking about territory claim overlaps, not superiority of ideologies, so you can put down communism for a while. Taiwan also claims the island, yet it is communist. Can you now see territory dispute has nothing to do with communism?

I am against Japan bullies China.

I am against China bullies Vietnam and Philippines etc.

I thought Kuri island has more to do with Japan, though other Japanese readers told me that Japan has given up those islands, because Russia has won. I do NOT think Chinese has any claim on it.

Japanese patrol boats has long history of colliding Chinese fishing boats - causing death of 1 Taiwanese fisher man, in disputed water. That is absolutely annoying. I can not agree with the handling of Japanese government in this case.

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ICBM: Don't put words in other people's mouths, please. Obama said no such thing as you claim he did, and misinterpreting what he said for your own means really undermines your comment as a whole.

The US would most certainly come to Japan's aid in the event of full-out war (and that will NOT happen), but short of that, even perhaps a small skirmish, and the US will stay out of it.

tkoind: "China wants to be a bully, let her, it will hurt her more than Japan."

I usually agree with you on most things, but on this I don't. Errr... I'll qualify. I agree that China is being a childish bully and is in the wrong, but I disagree it will hurt them more. Clearly it has hurt Japan, who has announced it will let the captain go without any charges, etc. Not only have they lost face, but they have proven to be weak in the face of a much stronger nation, and capitulating, which I have stated I thought was inevitable, sends a message to even weaker nations that have staked claims around the islands that China can only be dealt with on China's terms.

I have no doubt that the nations of the world have seen China for its true colour on this more than in the past, but I also have no doubt there is little to nothing they can or will do about it.

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i bet the okinawans dont see the US military occupation as benefiting their peace and security. Of course Obama is just lying..The US is there to intimidate China and North Korea. China remebers well when Japan invaded them...and now it seems the same country occupied by new invaders, preachnig peace and security from military bases.

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@smithinjapan

Clearly it has hurt Japan, who has announced it will let the captain go without any charges, etc. Not only have they lost face, but they have proven to be weak in the face of a much stronger nation, and capitulating, which I have stated I thought was inevitable, sends a message to even weaker nations that have staked claims around the islands that China can only be dealt with on China's terms.

I can NOT agree with you on this. Only a strong nation can afford to take a step back during a conflict to create an environment for a workable solution. I do NOT see weaker Japan after this. I only feel a bit of relieve that commonsense has come back.

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All of Obama's adoring , easily-duped non-American fans here in Japan still feeling the hopey is so very changey?

Obama says U.S.-Japan alliance a security 'cornerstone'

Translation: Keep payin them city , prefectural and incomes taxes. Your contribution helps Uncle Sam in Iraq and Afghanistan.Oh, and it helps Japan a bit as well. Thanks for showing up today !

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US wants to stay in Okinawa. That's the REAL reason. In any case though, I am happy to hear, Obama got our backs. Long live the good US Japan friendship.

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OssanAmerica declared:

If the Chinese totally lose it and send PLAN warships to the Senkakus with landing troops, do you honestly think we aren't going to be involved?

Just what is it with Americans and seeking potential for violent conflict in every possible situation? I understand that the USA Congress is heavily influenced by the military; I understand also that Americans are raised to consider themselves as part of a special nation with a divine mission to spread peace and democracy - usually through agression.

But why project so much?

This was a petty dispute between two nations with a symbiotic trading relationship which neither really wants to disrupt. Neither Japan nor China are stupid. There was no actual scope for all-out war - though I see this is type of diplomacy best understood by the USA.

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tian4670:"I thought Kuri island has more to do with Japan, though other Japanese readers told me that Japan has given up those islands, because Russia has won. I do NOT think Chinese has any claim on it."

Then you should take another look at those precious Quing Dynasty documents you so love to quote, why just the Senkakus?

If we are going to go back in History and pull out old maps then China should claim everything on those maps not just what they think they can bully into getting. You don't have to look far just wiki Quing Dynasty and look at the map Mongolia is part of China during that time will China be taking that? Not sure how Russia would react.

Japan in the view of the world is the owners of these island and China knows if it goes to the ICJ it will lose because they will say Japan incorporated it first and that the ancient maps and documents show many places no longer part of China and to go by those documents they would be opening up a can of worms and more claims base on old no longer valid documents and maps making this much more dangerous for everyone.

Japan is not worried about invasion because that would definitely bring in the USA and if it didn't then you can be sure North Korea would se that as a green light to move on South Korea and China on Taiwan.

So no mater what anyone thinks of Obama even he can't afford that!

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Japan, China, USA are the 3 biggest trading partners so it would be stupid to escalate even more, but China had it coming. Now that US has been clear on who they support and who their friends are, Japan should go over to China, talk the matter over so the tensions can ease up and start doing business together again. I'm going to China soon, so they better cut this hostility soon. I don't want someone throwing rotten raw eggs at me.

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neogreenjapan:"I'm going to China soon, so they better cut this hostility soon. I don't want someone throwing rotten raw eggs at me."

Don't go if you don't have to its a real cesspool, even my Hong Kong friends and business acquaintances can't stand mainland China it is just not civilized (Taiwan yes but not mainland).

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Japan is not worried about invasion because that would definitely bring in the USA and if it didn't then you can be sure North Korea would se that as a green light to move on South Korea and China on Taiwan.

the chinese tho are worried by invasions..they see what the US has done in the middle east, and remember what japan did in theie country..here we have a former military conqueror seeking the support of the current military conqueror. Unlike US, NK is not an aggresssive nation..It has no desire to invade anyone..But it does want to reunite with south korea.

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Japan only needs the alliance because to them, it is better for the other race to die rather than their own. Use an enemy to kill an enemy in case of a conflict. They can take care of themselves like Taiwan, they just need the innovation from white technology (from America), like China needs it (but they get it from Russia). The US doesn't care, they know this. It's all business, either keeping trade open or just keeping a presence in the region... it's all money, even if a lot of American soldiers die (for democracy --- another word for business for the billionaires) in a conflict. Money is made either way. gotta love it.

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