Quote:
Originally Posted by chiuchimu
Next, I posted my opinions on the benefits.
1) U.S. and japan are still allies but U.S. ability to apply political pressure on Japan is far Less.
2) US military is out of Japan making it easier for Japan - China- Russian relations, I think it will help US-China relations as well since China won't have U.S. forces close by, except in DMZ.
3) Japan has a military able to defend itself. No explanation needed.
4) Japan can purchase military hardware from anyone not just the U.S. Further more the military can be built towards what we think we will need not along U.S. interests.
4) Japan can develop some military technology. Like the U.S. this will help private business develop and compete. Sales of weapons will help offset military costs.
5) With self defense of the table, Japan can negotiate with America on a more equal level. After all, America's enemies don't have to be Japan's enemies. And American agenda need not be Japan's agenda. When we agree, we can work with each other, but it will be truly voluntary. No more side-ing with the U.S. simply because we need military protection or we need the market shares. In The end, I think it will make US-Japan better allies since it will be a partnership forged of freewill rather than reliance.
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1) I don't think the political pressure the US and Japan have on each other would change if the US military were to leave. That arrangement hasn't changed in over 50 years. What political advantage does the US have? We would never threaten to pull out if Japan didn't do what American leaders wanted. We also would never "invade" Japan militarily.
2) I don't know enough to say that eliminating US bases will improve Japan-China and Japan-Russia relations. Japan will have to replace what they lose if America pulls out with their own military. Nothing changes.
3) I don't know that the Japanese SDF is enough to defend Japan as well as participate in ally activities around the world.
4) I suppose they would be able to buy from other countries. Is anyone complaining about the quality of American military hardware?
5) What enemies of Japan are going to stop being enemies if the American military pulls out?