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Originally Posted by chiuchimu
Next, I posted my opinions on the benefits.
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1) U.S. and japan are still allies but U.S. ability to apply political pressure on Japan is far Less.
Im not sure what political pressure you are referring too the US does not force Japan to do what It wants it to do. The only thing the US enforces are treaties that were signed by the Japanese government those are treaties and can not and will not be broken.
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.
Honestly China-Russia-Japan relations would not drastically improve even if the US military were not in Japan. You need to realize there is a history between all 3 countries that does not include the US and its pretty much all negative. China, US and Russian relations are fairly good regardless if the US is in Japan there are hostilities that wont cease. A lot of Chinese citizens general dislike the Japanese i have met very few that did not hold some type of animosity towards them.
Also, China has begun to test how much they can get away with and exert their influence. One need not but to pick up a news paper to see whats happening.
3) Japan has a military able to defend itself. No explanation needed.
Japan has JSDF to defend the main islands and they are VERY well equipped to repel a certain level of aggression towards Japan with US support. Also, Japan has the luxury of not having to spend billions of Yen to support a standing military. That means that Japan can focus that money in other areas of development. There are advantages to Japan not having a standing military. No one and i mean no one in the world in stupid enough to attack Japan with the bulk of the Pacific US fleet there. I leave your comment up to the people of Japan.
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.
Japan does not and has no need to go along with everything the US deems of interest. As far as i know Japan can purchase military hardware from whom it seems fit (correct me if im wrong) but they have the best of what the US military can provide. They will not be getting the F-35 (lighting) Joint Strike fighter. JSDF is built for what Japan needs it has autonomy.
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.
The Japanese would literally from what iv heard have to build this industry as they do not currently have one. Again, i leave this to the Japanese people but remember once you start building and supplying weapons you role changes. Japan has bluntly stated they do not want a role in world affairs larger than what they have now. Even the US has asked Japan to take a larger role world affairs because of Japanese unique perspective but they have hesitant to do so.
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.
I feel Japan and US are on equal terms the alliance is strong China has suggested recently that Japanese-US relations are weakening which is furthest from the truth. No one is stopping Japan from perusing closer ties with China. Japan's enemies are not America's enemies im not sure whom you are referring too. Japan provided a non combative role in Afghanistan because they wanted too the US did not force Japan into that role and when they wanted to leave and stop operations they did and the US said not a word. Honestly, in a way i think your outlook on Japan as being subservient to the US is off base Japan is not as weak as some would like to portray it.
These are my own opinions im not saying im 100% right but thats how i feel.