U.S. naval shift to Asia on track despite budget cuts: admiral

Our infrastructure can crumble, our schools can close, and our people can die from starvation and lack of healthcare, but by God we must put as much funding as possible into the warfare state. /s

Aso did not explain why China and Japan did not have good relations for a long time. I fill in the blanks for the readers. Except for the Mongol invasions of Japan twice, it was the aggressive Japanese invasions of China and Korea and other Asian countries, how can we forget? Why? I suspect Japan as usual acts out of desperation to acquire more wealth and natural resources from neighboring countries. Japan probably should just reduce her population naturally so there is more wealth to spread around and stop looting wealth from other countries.

It' the same theme over and over. Japan is a resource poor country and this is the fundamental reason why she is such an aggressive country, hungry for more wealth that can only be gained by aggression against others.

With the shift to Asia Japan and Singapore should feel a little more at ease. Things can change pretty quick and more of the ships and aircraft the navy has available can be reallocated to this region pretty quick. Forget about the Middle East . The biggest threat is China. There's only one reason they are building such a massive force and that's to do a Asia sweep of control.

Can't wait to see the Zumwalt Class "Stealth" Destroyers. These new DD's are going to make all the enemies of Freedom and Democracy think twice before raising any radar lock.

Furthermore, with all the LCS's being commissioned and the Arleigh Burke Class DDG's rapidly going into service, I hope The Navy continues to keep the Ticonderoga Class Cruisers around a bit longer. At least the CG's can carry a larger payload for when you need them.

I think the Amphibs are getting a New Platform: USS America LHA-6 "My Ship - My Country".

Nice to see the USS America back in action.

U.S. naval shift to Asia on track despite budget cuts: admiral

unadmirable.

"The new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) will have a prominent role in the Pacific, he said, which would free up bigger amphibious ships and destroyers for duties in the Middle East.

The first LCS, the Freedom, arrived in Singapore last month for its inaugural mission, with four of the ships due to use the port through 2017"

"Navy Ship Can’t Meet Mission, Internal U.S. Report Finds"

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-07/navy-ship-can-t-meet-mission-internal-u-s-report-finds.html

The LCS is a big waste of taxpayer's money. Better hack into Chinese navy Chinese Type 056 Jiangdao-class stealth corvettes and improve on it, or ask if they will sell them!

The American industrial military complex is making expensive ships to take care of their bottom line while producing the LCS that is not really capable of taking on China. China can easily outnumber US LCS judging from their current rate of production. Go Home!

China can easily outnumber US LCS judging from their current rate of production.

Yes, tell me more about that.

@ShankunMay. 08, 2013 - 07:49AM JST

China can easily outnumber US LCS judging from their current rate of production.

Yes, tell me more about that.

More over here

http://thediplomat.com/flashpoints-blog/2013/02/28/chinas-navy-goes-stealth/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_056_corvette

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Littoral_combat_ship

You can see the Chinese version is superior to the US LCS, so Go Home!

Except for the Mongol invasions of Japan twice, it was the aggressive Japanese invasions of China and Korea and other Asian countries,

how can we forget?

The "Mongol" invasion is a misnomer. It was in fact a Chinese invasion.

Only one percent of the finds can be attributed to a Mongolian origin; the rest are Chinese. The Mongol invasion was Mongol only in

name and in the allegiance of the invading sailors and troops.

Relations between Japan and China never improved much after the invasions. The two countries have in fact been in a state of conflict since 1274 that has never been resolved. The Chinese have been attacking their neighbors before the Common Era. They attacked the Vietnamese in 111 BC (Han-Nanyue War) and the Loulan kingdom (located in East Turkestan) in 108 BC. Fast forward to the present and the Chinese continue to have poor relations with the Vietnamese, Uyghurs and the Japanese. China has one of the longest histories of aggression against its neighbors and the United States isn't taking any chances, hence the naval shift to Asia.

You can see the Chinese version is superior to the US LCS, so Go Home!

With China becoming more invasive of its neighbors you should know the US will not ignore it. Unlike China that believes it should devour the weak, the US tries to support the weak against countries or regimes that think they have any "right" to destroy those weaker than them. A society under repression always, and I mean ALWAYS leads to rebellion. China won't be able to cope with that let alone the backlash when its neighbors get sick of the incursions and team up with everyone against China. Your idea of nationalism is quite dangerous and will lead to the facism you try to accuse the US of and that the Nazi's actually did. And you know what happened to the Nazis don't you? Everyone turned against them even their own people.

@House Atreides

Do you want to go back to Ancient Time? Hey, the record keeping is even too fuzzy, so don't bother trying to prove who do what to who. Waste of time.

If you are the Emperor, the President, the PM, YOU CALL THE SHOT, does not matter the majority of the population is not of your skin type. So why are you not blaming the Mongols like Kublai Khan for intiating all those adventurism against Japan, Burma, Vietnam? The INVADER Mongol was responsible for the majority of Chinese incursion into other countries territories and the Han Chinese were just a tool at their disposal back then. The HAN Chinese as is the majority now under PRC don't commit such aggression, did you notice any?

Don't confuse territorial dispute with Deliberate Aggression which Japan do best in WWI & WWII when NO dispute existed in the first place.

Little wonder why Aso said China and Japan had never gotten along but he did not explain WHY!

@HonestDictatorMay. 08, 2013 - 08:40AM JST

You can see the Chinese version is superior to the US LCS, so Go Home!

You did notice that I was talking about the LCS don't you? I want US to stop embarrassing herself by sending over the LCS that may be easily swamped, and sunk by the Chinese version. That is why I say Go Home, don't become a casualty. I am not saying all US forces go home. I am happy with US forces in Guam for eg as a 'lead from behind' defense for other countries at risk from China.

Aso did not explain why China and Japan did not have good relations for a long time.

Perhaps the article didn't explain this is because it's not the topic of the article! It didn't explain why China has poor relations and or conflicts with Vietnam, India, Singapore, Phillipines, Taiwan, etc, etc, either.

The US allies in the Pacific basin, especially the smaller countries near the East China Sea, certainly welcome this move into the Pacific. If China were just updating her military without ongoing conflicts with so many of her neighbors the world wouldn't feel the pressing need to balance the threat. Unfortunately China, and her vassal NK, keep threatening and pushing with a clear goal of solving her territorial conflicts with so many neighbors using "military diplomacy".

In a world according to Tony Ew, we all need to never forget history or progress past agressions. Germany is a global benefit these days. Should we not forgive? Japan is not the Imperial Japan of 70 years ago! Oh, and the USA, we used nuclear weapons twice. The ONLY nation in the world, unforgivable right?

@ Tony Your comment is exactly why US will increase their military presence in AP and why all countries in the region except China welcome such decision.

@AGriggsMay. 08, 2013 - 09:44AM JST

@ Tony Your comment is exactly why US will increase their military presence in AP and why all countries in the region except China welcome such decision.

Let me spill the beans! It may come as a Shock & Awe to you and many readers.

Here goes: US and China are like two peacocks showing off who have the most colorful feathers! The PLA and the Pentagon are both in unspoken 'tacit' agreement this is a Giant Game to keep Both their military and industrial military complex humming along. They are afraid of Too Much Peace, yet also afraid of Too Much Tension. The external show of tensions is just theater to keep us on the edge of our seats.

No actual war will happen unless Japan drag US into war, which luckily did not happen last year and the recent nationalists Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands 'sight seeing' that result in 40 Chinese fighters to show China's resolve against 'intruders'. US was calm about it, only Japan got so flustered.

Who is the greatest enemy? Quick. The real enemies are the generals, the military heads in their own respective departments, navy, air force, army etc. These are the people who have jobs to keep, mouth to feed and a vested interest to keep their divisions strong so more shiny new toys, more drills, more military personnel. They need to retire with a fine plaque on their wall listing their accomplishments!

Meanwhile the taxpayers in both US & China foot the bill.

So there you have it: a giant game, quite dangerous actually, but if they play it right, everybody is happy. We as spectators shouldn't be so naive. I came across an article that mention about this, so I pass along what I read to you and other readers.

@oedo1May. 08, 2013 - 08:59AM JST

Aso did not explain why China and Japan did not have good relations for a long time.

Sorry, I don't know why it went to this article, my fingers flying off the keyboard?, I repost in the right article already.

Let me get this straight Tony, What your saying is really; The external show of tensions is just theater to keep us on the edge of our seats AND to distract the Chinese domestic population from their problems at home, to keep the CCP in power, and to distract to rest of the world as China trys to expand into neighboring territories and take th em over, all without a war.

When a government, in this case China, plays that game it worries everyone around them. Today most of her neighbors are trying to improve the military capabilities and inviting the US into the region as well!

China needs to backdown from the expansionist attitude and let things that a safer, more peaceful course ahead!

@Tony

It is China's increasing problems with all neighboring countries that provide justification for US military to increase their activity in the region. The US has already cut their military budget, which will reduce burden on taxpayer. On the other hand, China is increasing military spending. Who is the greatest enermy?

es, we have to hype the China threat...because we're going to war in 2017. Mostly, the Japanese may do it all, because they will soon be capable of destroying the PLA navy and air force. Let's not forget that the Japanese military is already much larger than Great Britain's and far superior in technological warcraft to both Britain and the PRC.

With Abe re-militarizing Japanese industry, using the TPP as an economic support, 2017 is optimal for the re-conquest of China and the reformation of the PRC into six constituent democracies, three of which will be Han Chinese based on the cultural watersheds of China's three principal rivers, meaning the Yangtze People's Republic, the Yellow River Federation and the Oriental Pearl. The other three countries are the former colonies of the PRC, meaning Tibet, Uighur, and Inner Mongolia (which itself will coalesce with Outer Mongolia to reform the Mongolian nation).

Yes, we're hyping the China threat. There's nothing you can do about it. We intend war. The only thing that could stop it is the PRC itself breaking apart into its constituent elements. Then, of course, we'd have no pretext for war.

Any Japanese patriot are welcome to join our group in Facebook '"Asian Alliance Vs China "

@AGriggsMay. 08, 2013 - 10:25AM JST

@Tony

It is China's increasing problems with all neighboring countries that provide justification for US military to increase their activity in the region. The US has already cut their military budget, which will reduce burden on taxpayer. On the other hand, China is increasing military spending. Who is the greatest enermy?

This is beautiful isn't it? US mucking around in China's backyard, you expect China to shrink her military budget? If you look at it from a Stability perspective, you should welcome China's military expansion. In fact, China need to invest more if she can on her military, and fast for the simple reason that it is very very important to send an Unmistakable Message to US and Japan that China is no wimp. The upshot is there is More Chance For Peace in the region BECAUSE Japan and US dare not make any miscalculation by taking aggressive acts against China. Think US/Russia tense military relations but no military conflict because of rough fire power parity that ensures Washington don't get too cowboyish!

It is for this reason I said the window for Japan to 'jerk' China around is over, as was done in the radar lock incident last Sept. A stronger China will make sure Japan treat her with respect and behave very well!

I have to add that China should not be overwhelmingly strong as to encourage Recklessness, but that is impossible as China is so far behind US in terms of fire power.

If you look at the latest weapons coming online in China, US will be in for a very rude surprise if she take on China on a limited war basis ie no WMD MAD. Because this is China's turf, she is more armed to the teeth than all the US weapons nearby. US will be given a very very very bloody nose and even defeated. Heard of DF21 D missile Mach 10, and China's cruise missiles with Mach 6 terminal velocity, plus ASAT techology? This is shock and awe awaiting any country trying to mess with China.

I say a 'well behaving US & Japan' is the best guarantee for peace in that region. Don't mistaken China's disputes as expansionists, no invasion of any mainland Japan/VIetnam/Philippines, so why do people go overboard branding China as a monster? (I think it is called 'propaganda!)

@Tony how much are you being paid to spew pro china propaganda ??? Fluffing feathers ? China's tech trumping USA's output ?? Sounds like you are a mini version of North Korean television. Why don't you just rent a balloon and drop some environmentally friendly USA go home flyers over Japan so you have a greater impact.

@Tony Ew

President Eisenhower said it best in his Farewell Address to the Nation :(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military%E2%80%93industrial_complex) "A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction..." but also "... we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist."

But their are other "short circuits", or "tripwires" which can cause a nation to fall over on itself. For example, in the US the reaction to 9/11 carried into activities such as the war in Iraq the purpose of which was unclear and the results of which were detrimental to the US. I wouldn't be correct to say it was just the Military-Industrial Complex, because it was also motivated by many of the same emotions (e.g. revenge and the so-called noble call to battle) which have motivated men to fight wars since before the beginning of written history.

Another example is the anti-Japanese riots in China last year. It was permitted and possibly organized by activist party members as cheap and easy method to unite public opinion. And the fire was already hot because Chinese education keeps alive the flames of resentment against Japan, while it does not teach about the modern history of developemtal aid to China, helping China in it's first spacecraft launch, of the trillions of dollars that Japanese businesses have invested in China. So many young people, who had no direct experience of WWII, were able to participate in mindless violence and destruction "against Japan". This certainly works agaist China's interests, as a strong feeling of trust between Japan and China can provide more benefits, both economic and strategic, than an unknown amount of gas reserves around the Senkaku (Daiyou) islands.

I am sure many would object to my comparison, but there is common currency: entrapment by money or power, vulgar emotions of hate and violence, and a naive belief in the nobility of fighting for a not particularly noble cause. The military-industrial complex is just one part of all that.

Its funny that people think China is a threat, I think the US is more of a threat, just look at the recent history of civilians killed by US troops or personel. we never hear the figures because its just shocking.

This may come as a shock but I do not support any sudden shrinkage of PLA budgets either. The reason is that with such sudden changes PLA may execute a coup like the Japanese military during the start of the 30's. With that happening it is going to explode then implode ultimately placing mainland china in another civil war but this time dragging the whole world economy with it.

Tony, I like your explaination.

@CrazedinjapanMay. 08, 2013 - 11:27AM JST

@Tony how much are you being paid to spew pro china propaganda ??? Fluffing feathers ? China's tech trumping USA's output ?? Sounds like you are a mini version of North Korean television. Why don't you just rent a balloon and drop some environmentally friendly USA go home flyers over Japan so you have a greater impact.

I think I present a very methodical analysis, why are you so upset? If I opened your eyes and you don't like what you learned, that is not my problem. Best if you talk to a military strategist so he can probably convince you I am not talking hogwash. Please tell me which item I wrote wrong and I see if I can be persuaded.

Naval shift - fine. Nuke subs, cruise missiles, and other defenses. Ospreys? No way. Why did this story disappear. Is anyone listening to the colonialism that is taking place. Stand up Japan. Change the constitution or expect another 100 years! This sounds cruel, but the USA taxpayers know, but will not admit, that the USA cannot continue to be the #1 self police force for its allies.

@Tiger_In_The_HermitageMay. 08, 2013 - 11:45AM JST

Tony, I like your explaination.

Thank you, Arigato, Xie Xie, Gracias, Merci

@SamuraiBlueMay. 08, 2013 - 11:42AM JST

This may come as a shock but I do not support any sudden shrinkage of PLA budgets either. The reason is that with such sudden changes PLA may execute a coup like the Japanese military during the start of the 30's. With that happening it is going to explode then implode ultimately placing mainland china in another civil war but this time dragging the whole world economy with it.

You make sense Samurai,

The way things are going now, the 'genie' is out of the bottle already. Everybody wants to be armed. The other danger is one too weak vs the other and this is cause for miscalculation. Two roughly equal strength is the answer so nobody dare to be mischievous.

That's why I only support China to be strong, but up to a point, so as not to terrorise another neighbor esp Japan. I even support Japan arming herself IF there is a water tight mechanism to prevent Japan from becoming a nuclear power. THAT power should only go to countries with a historical clean record of no war AGGRESSIONS so I don't think Japan can prove she is up to that high standard to become a nuclear power without worrying others.

@Tony: You don't seem to understand why China's neighbors welcome US presence. Want to learn honestly? They would not do so if China is not claiming that "negotiation stance" (your words) nine-dashed-line at South China Sea (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine-dotted_line). But I have to acknowledge that you seems to understand very well China's face: its neighbors should pay something to China so that it would not invade them (your words as well in another topic). That's reflected very well in Vietnam's 2 thousands years history: Unless China itself was in trouble, Vietnam is under China invasion. That's the plus side of your knowledge.

@Tony two words to study and reflect on. Contradiction & Hypocrite . Your last statement screams of both. Go back and reflect on your previous statements, historical wartime events and the current actions of China. Pull your head out of China's A&¥ and take a look around.

"That's why I only support China to be strong, but up to a point, so as not to terrorise another neighbor esp Japan. I even support Japan arming herself IF there is a water tight mechanism to prevent Japan from becoming a nuclear power. THAT power should only go to countries with a historical clean record of no war AGGRESSIONS so I don't think Japan can prove she is up to that high standard to become a nuclear power without worrying others"

@oedo1

China needs to backdown from the expansionist attitude and let things that a safer, more peaceful course ahead!

When will you stop spreading lies? Expansionist should be reserved for invading lands of other countries where there are no previous disputes. For example Japan invading Taiwan, Korea, China, South East Asia in WWI & WWII, these are Expansionists since these lands are clearly not in dispute.

Contrast these Expansionists acts of aggressions by Imperial Japan with China's DISPUTES over all those islands in the China Seas, can you explain why these Disputes suddenly become Expansionists?

Tony

You don't seem to understand, with the present economic stress PRC is facing, PRC's economic growth will decline further in the next two to three years forcing PLA to accept gradual cuts in budget. You can already see it happening with Xi Jinping pledging to eradicate corruption and bribes even if the lion's share is going to be cut. PRC's export is going down due to Europe's slumping economy and the up rise of Japan's with Abenomics kicking in.

In other words PLA will not accept budget cuts from external pressure but will be forced accept through internal pressure.

Under automatic budget cuts, the Pentagon faces a reduction of $41 billion this fiscal year and possibly up to $500 billion over the next nine years if U.S. lawmakers fail to break a political impasse.

The most important thing is the economy. I believe both US and China knows this at least a bit of it thus I highly doubt there would be anything serious because China seems to have that economic stability first, military development last kind of mentality as they are currently busy developing a high quality oriented economic model while for US as the article mentioned it need to settle problem that affecting its military budget cause reduction of that amount might not do much against China's military presence in the region for the next decade.

@Tony

@CrazedinjapanMay. 08, 2013 - 11:27AM JST @Tony how much are you being paid to spew pro china propaganda ???

Crazed wasn't upset. He just asked how much you got paid to spew China's propaganda.

@Crazedinjapan

The going rate seems to be about 50 Chinese cents per post that's approved as "proper propaganda". It's all rather well documented throughout the internet.

@CrazedinjapanMay. 08, 2013 - 12:17PM JST

@Tony two words to study and reflect on. Contradiction & Hypocrite . Your last statement screams of both. Go back and reflect on your previous statements, historical wartime events and the current actions of China. Pull your head out of China's A&¥ and take a look around.

"That's why I only support China to be strong, but up to a point, so as not to terrorise another neighbor esp Japan. I even support Japan arming herself IF there is a water tight mechanism to prevent Japan from becoming a nuclear power. THAT power should only go to countries with a historical clean record of no war AGGRESSIONS so I don't think Japan can prove she is up to that high standard to become a nuclear power without worrying others"

I don't have a Crazy Head. I don't see China going beyond her footprints on all those disputed islands. That is as far as the Chinese Empire is ever going to be.

I owe you a beer, a sake if China ever cross that line, if China ever invade Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. China is not that stupid! In the grand scheme of things China is very pragmatic and is dying for a negotiated solution but if other smaller countries 'jerk' her around, China will wait out all those governments to grind them down. This is China's modus operandi. Meet 'half way' or get nothing. China herself is hurting for oil and gas, so no reason for her to drag it out.

US can continue to bring more military assets to the China Seas but as I said, it is more a 'peacock contest' showing off each other's newest shiny toys rather than actual confrontation. US and China will jointly police the China Seas and make sure Japan don't do any mischievous acts ever again. I don't think US will be as close to Japan from now on giving the new geopolitical realities. Abe had overplayed his hand and US is mightily displeased.

@oedo I wasn't aware of that, will do a little research on the for my amusement only ;-)

@toannds

You have a simple take on why US is there in the Pacific. China is not the only reason. US want to watch out to make sure Japan don't secretly rearm herself with nukes especially. Who knows if she already have when there is no way for US to probe deeply. Same like Israel, how to prove she have no nukes? So that is one reason US is in the Pacific.

The others of course China, N Korea and also Russia. But now with rising China the focus is naturally on China, favorite punching bag for people looking for a target or else they will be out of a job!

The smaller countries, nothing unusual. Anywhere in the world they need a big protector, but your fixation with China as the bad boy is overdone. Definitely bias as you have zero interest in hearing China's side. Good bye!

@Tony

can you explain why these Disputes suddenly become Expansionists?

hummm... when China illegally enters the administrative areas of the others, when they attack a Vietnamese fishing boat and kill the fishermen, when they set up a military camp within the "disputed" territories, etc, etc...

All sounds expansionist to me! A recent article in the Australian titled "China's expansionism echoes history" says it all very well so I don't have to repeat here. You might also find a Russian article titled something like "China's territorial disputes with nearly 20 countries", you can google it yourself, enlightening as well.

@tony Ew, all the weapons systems you said about the chino are the toys. make everyone laughs. DF-21? that is a piece of joke. Have the chino ever tried to hit on any moving target in their experience? tony dude, a moving target, all right? not a static object made of the dumb ass concrete sand model ship laying still. I know too well the strategy used of the chino to deceiving the enemy when they are nothing but still pretending capable of destroying others. i tell you what, if i am the pentagon, i will give you a shot of taking you chino out without sending my ships close to chino land to fight with your valueless chino.

@Crazedinjapan

@oedo I wasn't aware of that, will do a little research on the for my amusement only ;-)

Try Googling "50 Cent Party" as an easy start...

@ Crazeinjapan

Two points I like to bring to your attention.

1.0 Please do not drag in Singapore and lump it with Japan. Singapore has good relation with China. 2,0 Your comment that Japan cannot be a nuclear power has missed the point. Japan being able to construct nuclear plants and possessed the knowledge of this technology is already by its own nature a nuclear power.

@ Refcliff

As for dragging Singapore into the comments section read the article again Japan, Singapore and South Korea are in it. You might want to ask Japan Today to not "lump" it in there with the rest of Asia.

@MarkGMay. 08, 2013 - 09:04AM JST

In a world according to Tony Ew, we all need to never forget history or progress past agressions. Germany is a global benefit these days. Should we not forgive? Japan is not the Imperial Japan of 70 years ago! Oh, and the USA, we used nuclear weapons twice. The ONLY nation in the world, unforgivable right?

Don't be so simplistic Mark. It is like Reagan say: Trust But Verify.

I am not interested in burdening the younger Japanese generation, Imperial Japan is not their fault. Rather my problem is with the current LDP leadership and the nationalists in Japan. Remember as I posted many times, a desperate Japan is very dangerous for the world, so if Japan economy tank in the near future, hopefully not, it will increase nationalism like pre WWII and make the region very unstable and dangerous esp if Abe manage to revise the Japanese Constitution to remilitarise.

I have no interest ripping Japan except where it affects other countries and in this interconnected world with Japan as third largest economy, EVERYBODY will be affected, thus I have to speak out.

@Redcliff

@ Crazeinjapan

Two points I like to bring to your attention.

1.0 Please do not drag in Singapore and lump it with Japan. Singapore has good relation with China.

You do know how Singapore treats this "good relation with China"? The Singapore Ministry of Home Affairs lists China as one of the countries their passport holders are not expected to visit unless permission has been given by the Singapore government.

Interesting, no?

Oedo1

In fact the Australian Newspaper's article China expansionism echoes history did not distinctively directed to Tony Ew's comment as you have so put. There is an article in the Washington Post editorial section headlined Japan chides for ignoring history is more relevant to Tony Ew's comment. You might like to google in and read it. Secondly your claim that Vietnamese fishermen were killed by Chinese naval personnel was released by Vietnamese media needs to be clarified as other media did not concur on the killing but just stated that fishermen were merely being driven off. The third issue I like to point out to you is that military camp which I presume you meant the recent standoff with India . You should read this article from Asian Time to really understand the issue here. Not understanding the issue and post comment like your is really disappointing. This issue here is on disputed no man land. and under the agreement between China and India both parties were not allow to build permanent fixtures on this part of the territory but India has broken this agreement and has now been requested to remove them.

@opexwells

Don't be silly. If you allow yourself to be in a junk boat somewhere off China's coast, I am sure you can be a good practise target for DF 21D. Sleep through it as it is too scary to watch this Made In China 'Buddha's Palm' heading towards you.

Seriously it is impossible to show you the Shock & Awe of this missile because it would mean actual war, sinking a US Carrier for example. Thus it's like you sneering if an actual nuke will work which can only be simulated with supercomputer. There is always a confidence % assigned to it, so even if DF21D is assigned 80% Kill probability, China can try a few fairly cheap DFD21D for a very expensive Carrier. You just don't understand simulation do you?

Please do not bombard this thread with posts.

@Redcliff

In fact the Australian Newspaper's article China expansionism echoes history did not distinctively directed to Tony Ew's comment as you have so put.

Glad you read the article perhaps this gives you a better idea what other countries think about China's current expansionism. I do think it was "distinctively directed to Tony's Ew's comment" but, on the other hand Tony's comment was largely illogical and didn't make much sense so I could possible have mistaken the point he was trying to make...

@ neobios

I agree with your comment. Both US and China have a lot to lose in a major conflict. I do not believe China would like to engage in any major conflict with any of the major power. It only commit this in a last resort when all negotiations failed and there is no possible avenue of stopping a war. Like US, Japan and any other countries China is following the same path in building its military for self preservation.

@Redcliff

Sorry! I see you comment wasn't directed to me. apologies

@redcliff.... Mind boggling .....English Lit isn't a strong point in that comment. If you want to be clear seperate your points. You've created a lot of confusion in that last comment.

It's one thing to be nationalistic it's another to be a Hypocrite that bends and twists history to suit ones own interests which the pro china stance posters seem to be reaching. Also to be nationalistic I would have had to choose a specific country to use in a rebuttal against what's been said which I haven't. I'm for stability and peace. Having the USA in Asia acts as a deterrent to possible aggression from China and North Korea.

China has been pushing the envelope in disrespecting territorial rights and sovereignty of it neighboring countries where as the USA is being welcomed into those same regions.

@ Samuraiblue

There is a difference between an economic growth and no economic growth. If you suggest that China is in an economic stress thus reducing its growth rate is justifiable to say so but having a growth rate of 7.2% against a 7.9% is only hitting a minor speed bum. If it drags down to 5% then this will be big trouble not only for China but for most of the Asian Countries as well as some western nations. It appears that China is controlling its fast rate growth mainly by its change of policy and partly due to the uncertainty in Europe and US economies. It is trying to boost it domestic demand and not rely too much on export in the future. Military budget wise is a very grey area no one really knows as to its real budget and this also applies to most super powers including Japan.

Readers, please stop bickering. Please focus your comments on what is in the story and not at or about each other. From here on, posts in which readers bicker will be removed.

An interesting article by the Economist on similar topic.

http://www.economist.com/news/china/21577075-around-chinas-periphery-heat-keeps-rising-thunder-out-china

@ toannds

No one really knows whatis the reason for the original 11 dash lines and then changed to 9 dash lines. Many scholars and posters speculated on it and put forward their hypothesis of the reason for the reduction in the dash lines. So toannds you are also one of them but keep on speculating until one day the real truth been revealed but meanwhile do not treat this as factual basis to support your future arguments.

@ Agriggs

Asian Region was at peace while US was busy meddling into other countries affairs in the middle eastern countries, South American countries , African nations and Afghanistan. It was only after all these failed adventures including the weakening influence in the Europe that it turns its attention to Asia thereby created the pivot to Asia strategy. Since then all problems have surfaced.

@Redcliff

Are you saying that the ongoing territorial conflicts between China and India, Japan, Vietnam, etc. are results of US meddling in Asia? You are very imaginative but...... unrealistic!

@ Saketown

In a recent report by Hendrix it reported that US has 10 aircraft carriers in service and another two under construction. It reported that China has one in service. It also further commented that China possessed DF-21D which were specifically created to target at aircraft carriers. It costs only around 10 million dollars a piece this would give them 1227 of these missiles for the equivalent of one aircraft carrier. Hendrix reckon that the aircraft carrier would be no match if hundreds of these missiles are targeted at the aircraft carrier as it cannot handle the sure numbers of missiles being fired at.

zichi

To be fair most of their conventional subs are 50's era museum pieces and their earlier nuclear subs are leaking radiation unfit for prolonged manned usage. Same with their jets and MBTs.

@ House Atreides

All citizens of nations are led by either ambitious or stateman like leaders but most were led by nationalist and militaristic leaders. Ordinary citizens were/are sandwich between and moved along whether they like it or not. Throughout history and to current time. We as ordinary citizens are no different. So when you made a comment regarding certain nation like China I hope you only refer to those that are in power and not subject the ordinary people to ridicule. Chinese are no different from Japanese citizen. As poster I only made negative comment on the action on the Japanese leaders when it is necessary and not the Japanese people.

Redcliff

Sorry but it is going to be worse then that. First the exodus of foreign manufacturing plant will continue for the foreseeable future. Second the pollution problem in which PRC will be forced to pursue stricter anti-pollution regulations in which will demand investments resulting to hike of cost. Third and last is demand for more transparency to the finance sector due to Xi Jinping pledging to eradicate corruption which will finally show the toxicity of various funds.

It's going to be downsizing for PRC for the next decade.

Under automatic budget cuts, the Pentagon faces a reduction of $41 billion this fiscal year and possibly up to $500 billion over the next nine years if U.S. lawmakers fail to break a political impasse

$41 billion is just so small for making insignificant difference for defense budget. Congress have to cut more and more because spending fortune will not gurantee the outcome of real combat. In theory, 7 fleet looks good however it is outdated and flawed.

Greenert acknowledged the cuts could slow down the arrival of some new weapons, and if funding were slashed over several years, ship-building plans would suffer

Ship builders will be unemployed anyway due to the changing nature of Naval warfare and real cost and benefit of funding analysis.

USS air craft carrier cost more than 11 billions to make. Matainance, fuel, salaries and fighter jets cost are astronomical with millions. Funding that astronomical cost is unsustainable.

PRC made surface to ship missile cost 11 millions per unit. Matainance, fuel, salaries and fighter jets cost are almost nothing.

The equation is one air craft carrier cost is equivalent to 1127 missiles of PRC made. Anti missiles system can shoot down most of the incoming missiles to the carrier. However it is impossible to shoot down all of them. One or two may be missed and hit the carrier at the end. Mission will be accomplished under sea as Titanic.

What is the point of spending fortune for funding for juggernaunt size ships which will be impotent in the real world of combact.

Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India etc etc .... ALL WELCOME THE MOVE!

China is not only making claims to the Senkaku islands. An article was just published in the People's Daily where China is putting forth a claim to all of the Okinawan islands. With China laying claim to ever more territory, the U.S. is right to shift its naval forces to Asia despite budget cuts.

@RedCliff:

do not treat this as factual basis to support your future arguments.

No one think that line is a fact, except China. China is using it to claim 80% South China Sea and trying to make it as a fact. 1974 China navy invaded Vietnamese islands after a short battle. Since then it has been bringing more navy force and fishing boats to the area that used to be a traditional fishing field of the neighbors. It is intimidating, harassing and threatening neighbor's fishing boat to change the status quo.

That's the reason why US fleet is welcomed here!

If China backed down its ridiculous claims, withdrawn its navy from neighbors EEZ and The Global Times toned down its intimidation to surrounding neighbors, US presence would not be welcomed openly. In general, be honest in your claims and follow the rule :)

@ AGriggs

I reckon you should read my comment of US pivot ol strategy in Asia before you made the negative comment about my posting, Sound like you are the unimaginative and unrealistic persomn My comment was stated that since US pivotal Strategy in Asia that all these issues have surface not that those issues created by US. Pleases learn how to read posters and comments.

@ Samuraiblue

You might have missed some economic points here, far from what you have just put most foreign Investors are not moving out of China. I agree with you on the pollution side which China needs to do more to reduce this big problem. As to your last comment you probably failed to read that China is starting to open up the financial sector. From reports put out after Australian PM visit to China there seems to be discussion and tentative agreement to allow Australian financial investor to participate in this sector. If so others would follow.

@ toannds

I believe China is claiming some of the islands in the South China Sea and not 80% of South China Sea as you have so put.

@RedCliff

China does claim the whole "ox tongue" area: It consider islands within the area belong to China. Neighbors'. fishing boats had been chased off or even shot at. At the same time, China brought navy and its own fishing boats to that area: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/07/13/china-fishing-boats-cordon-spratlys . The claim is not on discrete islands but the whole area.

Redcliff

Sorry but I do read the economic section of about 5 different newspaper as well as various reports made by marketing studies agencies, credit -rating agencies not to mention various blogs funneling out of PRC.

First the credit rating is heading for a nose dive due to Japan, Korea, US and various other European nations moving out to either greener pasture for manufacturing or reevaluating country risks. Most that that are remaining is to collect investment from the PRC domestic market and not for export purposes.

Second China's own new media had reported that many corporations are making plea not to release the actual amount they spend on "entertainment fee to clients" which some calculates to amount up to 10% of the total GDP of PRC. Of course this is bribes to the upper echelon.

Result PRC's economic bubble is about to burst any moment and most rich people are trying to escape before it becomes too late including many corrupt bureaucrats which resulted in Canada reevaluating her immigration regulations as well as Australia.

Tony actually believes china has superior weapons technology than U.S. china just put in service an old referbished carrier. China's navy isnt even a fraction of the size of the U.S. Navy. That why china tries to steal technology from U.S. and others.

@BradG91May. 08, 2013 - 09:28PM JST

Tony actually believes china has superior weapons technology than U.S. china just put in service an old referbished carrier. China's navy isnt even a fraction of the size of the U.S. Navy. That why china tries to steal technology from U.S. and others.

Don't get me wrong. I just highlight a few toys China have to smack US if push come to shove. Overall and quantity wise of course US have superior firepower nobody doubts that but that will be MAD if it comes to that. On a limited warfare engagement US will be so bloodied she dare not even start a war with China. For this reason US is now more respectful of the Chinese military. In particular those surface ships from US navy is no more as frightening to China as before eg during 1996 when Clinton ordered the George Washington ( I think ) to the Taiwan Straits. Only the submarines may be of concern to China but still no guarantee US can beat stealthy diesel electric submarines from China which is harder to detect in the noisy heavily trafficked trade lanes there.

@JanesBlondeMay. 08, 2013 - 04:08PM JST

Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, The Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, India etc etc .... ALL WELCOME THE MOVE!

If I am those countries I welcome the Pivot To Asia too, why not? Remember Suzy Wong? Those old days in Hong Kong, great for Hong Kong economy! Every time US vessels come along, they see Dollar Signs instead of ships!

Everybody welcome US presence in the Pacific Including Me, BUT Where, HOW CLOSE & How Many & Type of military assets, these need be finely tuned so as not to look offensive to China.

I am sure Okinawan don't welcome too many US bases there, will you if you are one of them knowing your island will be Target No. One in any war?

21st Century belongs to the emergent navies of China, Russia and Brazil . In 2020 vessels from these counties will be sailing away through the several seas in the world !!

Maybe Admiral expects Japan to pay cost? After all, Japan has been paying US forces to stay on Japanese lands for all these years.

Tony Ew,

Your post are so ridiculous, remember whatever China makes 90% of it is stolen, the other 10% is guess work. The stealth Submarines you are talking about LOL who cares when they are diesel and quiet when I KNOW WE HAVE OTHER MEANS TO DETECT SUBMARINE MOVEMENT AND WE DON'T HAVE TO BE IN THE WATER!! WITH THAT SAID I WON'T SAY MORE. About your carries what about them, the crap has no support ships so they are dead in the water, you can have a carrier but if you don't have other support ships out to protect them then, its like a bird crapping on your head! Nice target. Land, air or sea China will lose regardless. We don't care about your million man army we don't have to be there to fight them or see them. Hint why do you think we are calling our guys home, its like why send them we don't need them we have other means which I can't tell you. Believe I know, I am not blowing hot air like you, I touch this stuff every day!!!

@ Tony EW

The only thing China should worry about is their environment, our secret weapons is to let you manufacture everything in your country and choke you to death slowly in doing so! That's our little known economic secret. The company is so corrupt I can see why they want to invade every territory, the people are like rats, oh I forgot thats food now!! Not lamb! NOthing is ethical there!

@kaimycahl

I KNOW WE HAVE OTHER MEANS TO DETECT SUBMARINE MOVEMENT AND WE DON'T HAVE TO BE IN THE WATER!! WITH THAT SAID I WON'T SAY MORE

Can't decipher what you say, could be China scrambling your post?, but guess what? China could deliberately emit submarine signatures to look like one of your buddy from US, Japan, Vietnam etc so you can try to detect and sink them but oops, they really are your 'friendly fire' submarines!

Just acknowledge China is not an easy opponent and show her a little respect. That will go a long way to prevent US from being embarrassed and the Hunter may become Hunted! That is why US have more sense than what you think about China's military strength and is starting to show her more respect. Just ask Kerry/Hagel !

The Chinese are also pragmatists. They know China's ascent will not continue without Western complicity. No matter how successful the Chinese government is in rebalancing the economy toward domestic consumption, exports to Western markets, which have fueled more than 60 percent of economic expansion since few decades ago, will determine growth rates for decades to come. Importantly, China has always productively engaged with other societies from Indian Buddhism to American capital markets, absorbing new influences and applying them in Chinese contexts. It has also learned from the thirty years of economic and social disaster. In China, there is no desire, even among reactionary military factions, to become divorced from global forces of progress.

@ Tony EW,

I never gave you credit for thinking and I don't think any one else here has! You wrote you can't decipher what I said and that it could be that China is scrambling my post!! Dude you are funny. You seem to figure out or have an answer for everything else so what so hard about "deciphering what I wrote. Could it be your english. I can say this I do alot and its not just talk what ever you claim china have or has we don't want. We've been there, done that. You can have the automobiles that you are just starting to make we are in space far in space, you are just getting there! Remember WE HAVE BEEN THERE DONE THAT! NEXT!

Can't decipher what you say, could be China scrambling your post?, but guess what? China could deliberately emit submarine signatures to look like one of your buddy from US, Japan, Vietnam etc so you can try to detect and sink them but oops, they really are your 'friendly fire' submarines!

Just acknowledge China is not an easy opponent and show her a little respect. That will go a long way to prevent US from being embarrassed and the Hunter may become Hunted! That is why US have more sense than what you think about China's military strength and is starting to show her more respect. Just ask Kerry/Hagel !