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U.S. Senate OKs amendment backing Japan in Senkaku dispute

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Good move for Japan ... and acts as a moral booster for Prime Minister Noda in the forthcoming national election.

When I was living in Okinawa, the Senkakus were part of the U.S. administered Ryukyu Islands. So the Senate action actually supports this factor from back then.

Now ... let's see how the Chinese will react to this bit of news. As this is the Year of the Dragon ... the Chinese will probably unleash a fiery roar ... and then the ball will back in Japan's court.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Unfortunately for Japan, It means nothing...

Just like Japan, vowed to ratify the UN Treaty on Parental Rights regarding children (which Japan has only given lip service) That's about what the Senate's vote mean... It's not binding, it's a only a token gesture.

-7 ( +10 / -17 )

Santa performance by Senate, it's Christams Time !

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

Is this going to solve Japan's economic problems?

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Ch1n4Sailor-san,

it's a only a token gesture.

Exactly.

Then China will "get angry" and lob off a few gunshots, the US will say, "See how dangerous it would be without us to protect you," the right-wingers and the US sycophants Abe and Noda will fall over themselves in glee and give the USA a blank cheque.

And, precisely NOTHING will happen.

-3 ( +7 / -10 )

Bravo zulu this again is more proof to the PRC that the US stands with the people of Japan.

The funny part is that the PRC and it's supporters here actually believe itself to be a superpower.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

JoeBigsDec. 01, 2012 - 06:21PM JST

The funny part is that the PRC and it's supporters here actually believe itself to be a superpower.

It already is, and in 4 years it will be the No 1 economic power

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

I feel safe again living in Japan ;)

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Yeah Japan still have to face China over the Islands. But now Japan can step up the game a little more since the US statement and its presence will probably deter China from using an all out attack. The stakes are a bit bigger for China now. Maybe they will try to pull another stunt like they did in the south China sea this week.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Lets see how china responds ...just like their last outburst a number of years back...if USA interferes then they'll use Nukes. ( that was what they threatened when USA said they'd defend Taiwan )

0 ( +2 / -2 )

But now Japan can step up the game a little more since the US statement and its presence will probably deter China from using an all out attack.

LOL. To be sure, the US is telling Noda not to do anything stupid that would force the US to act on this promise. Unless, of course, the US is manipulating Japan once again for some nefarious reason. Who knows who America wants to make war with next.

-1 ( +4 / -4 )

Japan is one of the a few true friend of US. US protecting Japan is protecting US interests too. US is most important partner for Japan and Japan is most important partner too. Also US stay in Asia Pacific is most important thing for Asia Pacific countries in region. Communist Chines Government can't be trusted in any circumstance unless Communist China becoming true democratic country and rule by democratically elected Government. Communist never respect International Law.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

DogDec. 01, 2012 - 08:13PM JST It already is, and in 4 years it will be the No 1 economic power

That is a hoot, I am amazed by the short sightedness of folks who look at something like the PRC with blinders on. Right now the world is using the PRC, by the term world I mean the powers that be.

But that usefulness will only go as far as long as they play ball. The moment the PRC goes off the script it has been given is the moment it loses everything.

The PRC is a frail state being held together by spit, tape and mirrors. Remember Libya, Iraq, Egypt and the other numerous states that when their usefulness passed were removed?

The PRC is no different and if pushed correctly would fall into civil war faster than you can blink and eye.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This is non-news. The U.S. was already bound by a treaty to defend the senkakus. However the Chinese military have sent vessels into the area repeatedly and the U.S. has taken zero action.

This resolution is just likely to polarize the region further, and the U.S. just issued it to make sure that Japan polarized on the side of the U.S. (which was becoming a risky proposition given Abe's pro-independence talk). Once again Japan, the third largest economy in the world despite its financial woes, is being treated like the red-headed stepchild.

4 ( +6 / -3 )

A bit of oil smell in the Senkaku area ... US shows up!

99% of the US foreign politics is driven by oil. Totally oil addict country!

-1 ( +5 / -4 )

Sentiments-san,

the US statement and its presence will probably deter China from using an all out attack.

Where does this idea come from?

I see it all over the place.

China is not going to "all out attack" Japan.

And it's got NOTHING to do with there being US bases in Okinawa or "the US forces are a deterrent."

The economies of Japan, China and the U.S.A. are too interdependent.

It would be economic suicide for China and they know it.

The U.S.A. would never pay back their debts to China.

And to top it all, China is not a hostile, military aggressive country. They don't need to be. They are winning financially.

2 ( +5 / -2 )

saidani-san,

Unless, of course, the US is manipulating Japan once again for some nefarious reason.

The US . . .

manipulating Japan ? ? ?

No!

Surely not!

They wouldn't!

Would they?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The economies of Japan, China and the U.S.A. are too interdependent.

China is also diversified, Japan was hurt more by what happened economically than China these past several months. China's trading with the rest of Asia, excluding South Korea and Japan, is growing faster than any trading with any other region. In fact the Yuan is now starting to become the default trading currency over there. The idea that China is to interdependent can only last so long, China will be a lot less interdependent in 10 years from now while at the same time their military spending will be around the same as that of the US.

China is not going to "all out attack" Japan.

It depends on how all out attack means, are we talking about covert actions or overt actions. For example China may not actually invade Japan's mainland but it may overtly trigger a military conflict over those senkaku islands. So China may do an all out attack on the senkaku islands.

It would be economic suicide for China and they know it.

For now maybe but not for long.

And to top it all, China is not a hostile, military aggressive country.

Ya tell that to the countries in South East Asia.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

it is the least nice of the US , being bigger bro the us should show its responsible to the younger bro and to the world for its big face . and at least bullying china does not think of the US is afraid of facing to china . there4 i agree that the US is reliable to all friends

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is another embarrassing move by the US senate, trying to make itself appear to be doing some work by making inflammatory remarks with respect to the current US adversary of choice, China.

If the Japanese government really believes that the islands (rocks) in question are theirs, they should go to the ICJ, otherwise, they'll have earned the enduring enmity of a good number of the Chinese.

And that would be a very stupid thing to do, except to those interested in creating divisions and steering a course toward eventual armed conflict. For the US, it's a typical divide-and -conquer strategy. The Japanese politicos are acting like a bunch of stooges.

1 ( +5 / -3 )

Uh-oh! how is former-quitter Abe going to stick his rotting guts on this issue and claim Japan is weak-kneed under the DPJ but will be independent only because strong under further US protection promises?

1 ( +5 / -4 )

This is a great move by US senate. All of you should know that the biggest problem of europe, japan and USA is China. This is a good start

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Pay close attention to this amendment. Listen to what it says. There's an important distinction here that everyone seems to have missed. We're empowering Japan to be more assertive, as regards its authority over the Senkakus (without ever involving ourselves with sovereignty, as we've said many times before). We're not saying we'll engage in sea battles with China, not at this stage, nor enforce Japan's authority in its territorial waters. That's Japan's job.

However, we're giving the go-ahead for naval engagements to occur between China and Japan, if Japan's Coast Guard deems it necessary in order to exercise its authority. We're authorizing this because our statistical analyses on such a small war state quite plainly that Japan's naval might is far superior to China's. China knows this too, with only a fledgling fleet of inexperienced sailors who will panic at the first shot.

By this amendment, we're telling China to up the ante or back off, because Japan will now enforce its international authority in the territorial waters of the Senkakus. China knows that we will not tolerate any attack on or occupation of the islands themselves, so their nuclear missile advantage has been eliminated. Any battles between these two military giants must be restricted to the sea and "never" involve the Japanese islands themselves...or else the US will join in against China to devastating effect.

China must now shut up and back off...or get its ass kicked in the East China Sea. That's as far as it's going to go with them. They're going to back off, not even with a parting shot. Our next step is stabilizing the South China Sea by empowering Vietnam, the Philippines, India etc to assert their rights. The South China Sea belongs to everyone there, not to China alone.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

overchan: "This is a great move by US senate."

And yet you are against the US military and government pretty much all that time. This is where the "Okinawan whiners" syndrome comes in -- you like it when it suits you, you balk about it when it does not. Imagine if your own government had the stones to make the right decisions! Sadly, people like yourself would never vote for the better of nation, just for the immediate satisfaction of demands you think should be met far away. Then when they're not, despite the fact you voted in the powers that denied such satisfaction, you act like you had nothing to do with it.

You have a chance now, to vote. I suggest you try and think of the long term and avoid listening to right-wing rhetoric. Good luck with it. Obviously I can't vote.... but maybe in the future a politician who is not recycled and actually wise will question why it is I can pay for him to stand on the pedestal but not choose him to do so. Here's hoping! I figure it'll take Japan another 50 years, but hey.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

lachanche: "China must now shut up and back off...or get its ass kicked in the East China Sea. That's as far as it's going to go with them. They're going to back off, not even with a parting shot."

As a Japanese to admit the real reasons why and watch them squirm. Even men like Ishihara who like to say 'no' to the US will welcome this and use it to fuel their own rhetoric.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

If there's a favor .. You return that favor .,no man is an Island even Senkaku Island.. You need US to protect Senkaku from China who wants everything theirs.. I am just wondering if China would remember what happen to Japan & Germany , they tried to go colonize many countries & lose their friendship to these countries even now the wounds is still there , the Chinese sentiment over Japan's war crimes ( any country did the same killing, raping . Satanic like rituals cuz it's a war ) not only Japan but US too Spain too , Germans too .

Why they just can't be just an economic power by being humble , contented of what they are now ?? Many countries are transferring their biz to other country cuz they thought Chinese are dangerous , unstable to do business with . I think their leaderrs head is in their balls in between their legs. They just don't know business start with diplomacy ( sorry for vulgarity but I want this to be heard!!)

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Why they just can't be just an economic power by being humble , contented of what they are now ??

Yes, many people wonder about this. Why can't the US be more humble and stay out of the affairs of other sovereign nations? One might believe they think they own the world sometimes.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"Many countries are transferring their biz to other country cuz they thought Chinese are dangerous , unstable to do business with "

I just have a good chuckle whenever I see folks say things like this

1 ( +3 / -2 )

saidani-san,

Yes, many people wonder about this. Why can't the US be more humble and stay out of the affairs of other sovereign nations? One might believe they think they own the world sometimes.

Ain't that the truth!

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Kobuta ChanDec. 01, 2012 - 09:48PM JST Japan is one of the a few true friend of US. ...

And what is the basis of this true friendship, Kobuta Chan?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

overchanDec. 02, 2012 - 01:07AM JST This is a great move by US senate. All of you should know that the biggest problem of europe, japan and USA is China. This is a good start

Thanks for the heads-up. We will inform europe at once.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Good, glad that the Senate is finally showing some courage. China will be a problem unless we stand firm against its proven aggressive nature. Nations can co exist if they respect each other. Japan has shown fortitude and respect and has been very mature and sophisticated and I am glad the US is supporting that. The US is NOT interfering with other nations, it is supporting a proven ally which is required by honour and by treaty. End of story.

Jingoism by pro Chinese spokespersons is just that, propaganda. We must stand firm in the face of it for the sake of the people of China as much as for anyone else for they are bullied by their own government in an attempt to maintain raw power. These islands belong to Japan, end of story on that too.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

China has had at least three motives.

First, to test the resolve of Japan and the sentiment of its people.

Second, to test the resolve of the US in its commitment to Japan and to a policy of measured containment

Third, to distract Chinese from domestic Chinese political struggles.

China knows this. Japan knows this. The U.S. knows this.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Nessie

Those may all be factors, but it is not valid to conveniently overlook the fact that the islands in question appear on Japanese maps from the Edo period with their Chinese names, and that they were discussed by Japanese diplomats in the Meiji period as being Chinese. Those are before the wars and ceding of the islands by China, which were reverted by the treaties after WWII.

China did not press its claim until the 1970s, so the issue is complicated and should be brought before the court, just as Japan demands in the case of the island controlled by Korea.

This is ridiculous.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

If China become a democracy they will probably force government to attack Japan since they were brainwashed for years.so, I am not sure what is the worse thing, communism or a true democratic country.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

The posture -- has been thoroughly considered & expected within the China game plan ( with all the ambiguous statements released by the US officials between the 'sovereignty' and the famous 'article 5' since months ). When it comes to sovereignty issues, the best weapons have to be in your own hands not others. One learns from history about numerous 'alliances' & 'pacts' before other wars, when decisions on sending their own boys to the battle field and fighting for others' interests, not their own, the pacts-treaties donot necessarily imply commitment / full commitments..

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So, Japanese boys, you can up your gear in humiliating China, and better still to have a all out war. You have my full support from behind, hehehe...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

tian4670Dec. 02, 2012 - 06:16PM JST So, Japanese boys, you can up your gear in humiliating China, and better still to have a all out war. You have my full support from behind, hehehe...

For Korea, an all-out war between Japan and China will be as disastrous, as Korea's own all-out war, regardless behind which back you are giggling.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Ch1n4SailorDec. 01, 2012 - 04:16PM JST Unfortunately for Japan, It means nothing...

True, since they already adminster the islands. But for China it means everything; that they can not take the islands by force without confronting the United States., So, they are left with non-constructive harassment tactics that do nothing towards furthering their claim or territorial expansionist agenda.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

****The affirmation by the United States Senate concerning the right of Japan to administer the Senkaku Islands is a clear indiciation of the strong support, on a bipartisan level, that the United States Senate has concerning the U.S. - Japan Relationship. Clearly, the United States Senate has taken this important public step in order to re-enforce our long-standing working relationship, and also to send a strong message to the new government leadership in China, that the United States Senate is prepared to support defending Japan against Chinese aggression.

The Liberal Democratic Party will most likely be the beneficiary of this stance given that most polls indicate that the LDP will soundly defeat the Democratic Party of Japan. It will be very interesting to watch how Mr. Abe, should he become the next Prime Minister, will use this re-affirmation by the United States Senate, in his foreign policy positions with respect to the relationship between the LDP and the Obama Administration.

It will also be interesting to see how the new Secretary of State for the United States will work with the new Foreign Minister of Japan not only on the Senkaku Islands issue, but on the other "hot button" issues such as the continued military presence of the United States on Japanese soil, in particular the U.S. Marines presence on Okinawa, as well as the continued support by the United States of Japan militarily. Mr. Abe has seemed to indicate a more conservative/nationalist viewpoint in which Mr. Abe has indicated a desire to re-examine the Security Agreement between the United States and Japan. How the affirmation by the United States Senate of Japan's right to administer the Senkaku islands will impact Mr. Abe's view of the Security Agreement will be interesting.

Thank you very much.

Respectfully, Mark Kazuo Bradley 500 University Avenue, Apt. #519 Honolulu, Hawaii. 96826

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Bertie, you and others seem to fail to recognize that because of the USA being actively involved in world events for the last 70 years there hasn't been another world war. Do you honestly think that after WW II if the US had gone back to its isolationist ways the world would be a better place today? No, the Soviet Union would have spread like cancer across the face of the earth and the freedoms that many of you hold dear such as the ability to sit on this website and spout your opinions would not exist. I find it funny how ungrateful people are. They simply insult Americans and ridicule them. When their very freedom to do just that is thanks to the blanket of freedom that they provide. Yes the US has made mistakes after all they are human the same as everyone else, but the good insanely outweighs the bad in this discussion. So why don't you pick up a rifle and defend your own freedoms for once or at least take a serious look at exactly how and why you are able to freely express yourself in this day and age. Finally, do you think Japan would be better or worse off today if the US had left right after WW II?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Dog Dec. 01, 2012 - 08:13PM JST "JoeBigsDec. 01, 2012 - 06:21PM JST "The funny part is that the PRC and it's supporters here actually believe itself to be a superpower."

It already is, and in 4 years it will be the No 1 economic power

No its not. China is nowhere close to being a "superpower". China has neither he "hardpower" of he USSR nor the "softpower" of the U.S.A. As for surpassing the U.S., economically, maybe it will may be it won't but it certainly will not be based on GDP per capita for sure.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

finally. since the Us handed the islands back to Japan in 1971, I was wondering when my home country would get a backbone and shove it in China's face.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ Mathew Simon

You do have a point there that at time US presence in the World stage does provide somewhat a stop gap in preventing conflicts around the world by the same token US has also contributed to many conflicts in other nations by disguising fictitious reason for a war. No one really know whether right or wrong after WWII that the presence of US troop in Japan is a contribution to the deterrent of Japan to rearm itself or simply helping to protect the Japanese people. In my opinion the presence of US in the pacific Region in the name of protecting the Sea lane is also maintaining the conflict between China and Japan at its own interest. For years now Asian Region has been neglected by US it is only recently after US involvement in Middle-East with great protest by its own citizen and Europe (its influence is waning) that it took up this so call Marshall role in the Asia and Asean Region. I believe Japan and China could negotiate a way out of this current dispute and also with other Asean nations without third party(US) involved. Of course US is welcome to the Asian Region after all it is a Superpower in its own right but it would serve the Asian Region better if it assist in resolving disputes and not to compound them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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