Japan defence review warns of China's military might

[Turborama]

Source: BBC

Japan has unveiled sweeping changes to its national defence polices, boosting its southern forces in response to neighbouring China's military rise. It said Beijing's military build-up was of global concern. Japan shares a maritime border with China. It will also strengthen its missile defences against the threat from a nuclear-armed North Korea.

China has responded saying it is a force for peace and development in Asia and threatens no-one. China's Foreign Ministry said no country had the right to make irresponsible comments on China's development.

=snip=

The guidelines say Japan is concerned by China's growing military spending, modernisation of its armed forces, and increased naval assertiveness in the East China and South China seas.

"These movements, coupled with the lack of transparency on China's military and security issues, the trend is a concern for the region and the international community," the new guidelines say.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12015362

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[davidthegnome]

1. Given their history

If any Nation has cause to be concerned about this, it is indeed Japan. For many years the power of the US military has served to keep China's military ambitions more cautious (and subtle, except in regards to Tibet), but that will not last.

As we decline further socially and economically we will also begin to face far greater military decline. As for what China will actually do... who can say? It is nearly their turn to be the world's super power, one that I fear, in time, will be far more frightening than any empire we have seen previously.

[Turborama]

2. Given their history

China has reason to be concerned: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanking_Massacre