Japan buying FN, H&K small arms

[ClearedHot]

That’s the way I feel. My Dad (who served in the Navy during the Korean War, his ship was hit by the Norks) felt the same way. His older brother served in the Pacific in the Army in WW2, and his younger brother served as a Navy helicopter Crew Chief in RVN. I served in the ROK in the early ‘70’s (and was surprised by how much the ROK’s hated the Japanese but they had good reason to feel that way). Nonetheless I wish they would put aside their differences and form alliances with other Asian countries that value freedom like ROC, Vietnam, et. al.

This. They need to put aside their old grudges and start working together to deal with the impending threat from China. If South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam formed an alliance, that would definitely shift the balance of power in the region.

[Miami_JBT]

This. They need to put aside their old grudges and start working together to deal with the impending threat from China. If South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam formed an alliance, that would definitely shift the balance of power in the region.

That's like saying Israel, Kurdistan, Turkey, and Iran should all be buddies.

Japan did some very screwed up things and got away with it while Germany will forever be remembered for their vile acts. Heck, the Naval side of the JSDF still flies the Kyokujitsu-ki as their ensign. They pulled into a ROK port with he loud and proud. That's like the like ther German Bundesmarine pulling into an Israeli port and flying the Reichskriegsflagge.

As for dealing with China... everyone listed except for the Philippines is gearing up for resisting China. Rodrigo Duterte as President became friendly with tbe PRC. Let's see how Bongbong Marcos runs things.

[ThirdWatcher]

This. They need to put aside their old grudges and start working together to deal with the impending threat from China. If South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam formed an alliance, that would definitely shift the balance of power in the region.

Maybe the concept of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was sound, except now make membership voluntary. I believe there are a lot of good people in Asia that just want to be left alone. I can relate to that...

[Averageman]

As for dealing with China... everyone listed except for the Philippines is gearing up for resisting China. Rodrigo Duterte as President became friendly with tbe PRC. Let's see how Bongbong Marcos runs things.

I feel like President Marcos (funny to say that again) is doing his best right now. He's cooperating with the USN and allowing them to use the harbor and docks. He's also reworking agriculture to a degree that makes the Philippines less dependant on food imports, which is pretty key to preparing for a war.
He's also constantly dealing with Chinese ships in his waters.

[Miami_JBT]

Maybe the concept of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was sound, except now make membership voluntary. I believe there are a lot of good people in Asia that just want to be left alone. I can relate to that...

SEATO failed already.

[SteyrAUG]

That’s the way I feel. My Dad (who served in the Navy during the Korean War, his ship was hit by the Norks) felt the same way. His older brother served in the Pacific in the Army in WW2, and his younger brother served as a Navy helicopter Crew Chief in RVN. I served in the ROK in the early ‘70’s (and was surprised by how much the ROK’s hated the Japanese but they had good reason to feel that way). Nonetheless I wish they would put aside their differences and form alliances with other Asian countries that value freedom like ROC, Vietnam, et. al.

Not sure I'd include Vietnam in the "friends" list. They are the same government that tortured our veterans when they were POWs.

[SteyrAUG]

That's like saying Israel, Kurdistan, Turkey, and Iran should all be buddies.

Japan did some very screwed up things and got away with it while Germany will forever be remembered for their vile acts. Heck, the Naval side of the JSDF still flies the Kyokujitsu-ki as their ensign. They pulled into a ROK port with he loud and proud. That's like the like ther German Bundesmarine pulling into an Israeli port and flying the Reichskriegsflagge.

As for dealing with China... everyone listed except for the Philippines is gearing up for resisting China. Rodrigo Duterte as President became friendly with tbe PRC. Let's see how Bongbong Marcos runs things.

Technically Japan never abandoned the rising sun flag, they simply opt for a simplified version in most cases. It's not the same as rocking the swastika. Japan also frequently used the lone meatball before and during WWII.

[SteyrAUG]

Maybe the concept of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was sound, except now make membership voluntary. I believe there are a lot of good people in Asia that just want to be left alone. I can relate to that...

They need the Pacific equivalent of NATO, PTA or whatever you want to call it.

[Averageman]

They need the Pacific equivalent of NATO, PTA or whatever you want to call it.

I'm just saying if I wanted a bunch of hardworking Sailors I would go to the Philippines to get them.

[HKGuns]

Not sure I'd include Vietnam in the "friends" list. They are the same government that tortured our veterans when they were POWs.

........and again, you'd be right.

Vietnam continues to this day to not be our Freind. It isn't widely publicized, but their Cyber Attack activity is rivaled only by China and Russia. Lots of IP theft and nefarious activity coming out of that $hithole.