Why is Japan Fortifying its Small Islands, and why is it such a big deal? | Foreign Correspondent
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Published 2023-02-16
Read more here: ab.co/3Is2VxM
On Foreign Correspondent, reporter James Oaten has gained unique access to the Japanese military as it fortifies its remote southwest islands with new military bases. The popular tourist destination of Ishigaki, an island that is closer to Taiwan than Tokyo will soon be home to hundreds of soldiers, stockpiles of ammunition and missiles that could one day strike mainland China. The local farming and fishing community is divided over the base, and what it means for their idyllic way of life. The population paid a high price in the dying days of World War 2, fuelling fears that they will once again become a target.
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All Comments (21)
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The sad thing about reality that most civilians don't understand is that peace cannot be achieved without a show of force, and it's a fact that there is nothing around it or something in between. That Japanese guy perfectly says it: "While it's not good to have too much, having nothing at all is a lot worse."
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If the Japanese have a defence base on their island, it becomes a target, if they don't, it becomes an easy target. I wish none of this was the case but, it's been happening for ever 😪
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Pacifism is about not engaging in unnecessary, offensive violence. Being a pacifist shouldn't lead you to not defend yourself. The citizens against the military bases should consider that.
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Sadly for the grandmas, it doesn’t matter if military bases are constructed or not, because in the event of a war, a degree destruction and suffering is almost certainly guaranteed…
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"this next war, if it happens everyone will be the losers i think" how very true
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For Japan's neighbors China, Russia and North Korea, Japan is a gatekeeper at the entrance to the Pacific Ocean. When a great war breaks out, Japan will have to fight regardless of its own wishes. It's just that there is such a reality, and it should be irrelevant to Japanese militarism.
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ブラジル日系人として日本が自分の領土を守れるよう願っています。
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You can do it , JAPAN 💪🏼💪🏼🦾🦾 ✊🏼👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 We Support you, from INDIA 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳❤🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵 We shall Stand with Japan till the END of CHINA 🇨🇳🤯🤯🤯🇨🇳
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Young mother on the beach with her baby - "We can't protect our own lives if we don't defend ourselves". So true. Japan is in a very perilous position between China, Russia and North Korea. They are doing the right thing by strengthening their military, and that includes offensive capabilities (for example to launch counter-attacks). Total support for the SDF from Australia. I hope they do more.
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Such a good reporter, not backing people into a corner or judging them on their positions, letting people talk without trying to steer the conversations with an agenda.
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As a Taiwanese, it is well understood that our location places us in a strategic position along the first island chains in the Pacific Ocean. As such, we have made preparations to ensure our readiness for any potential scenarios that may arise.
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I am Taiwanese. The purpose of China's invasion of Taiwan is to build Taiwan into a military base for future wars against Japan and the United States, and to serve as a springboard for China to break through the first island chain defense line. Taiwan and Japan are strategically located as a community with a shared future. It is necessary for the two countries to cooperate in the military and establish a military alliance.
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Weakness causes wars, strength prevents aggression.
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There is an old saying... "Those who want freedom prepare for war while in peace"
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Go japan, supporting from the philippines 🇵🇭 🇯🇵
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わたしは日本人ですが沖縄の島々の基地建設に賛成です。 それは必要なことです。
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As a ukrainian i'll say Japan is doing the right thing. "Si vis pacem para bellum" or If you want peace, prepare for war. We made huge mistake giving away our nukes, not doing anything with corruption, especially in milirary sphere. I can relate an old woman who suffered from war before, but in order for peace to being maintained your nation should always look strong and scare to deal with in military form, destroying even some possible thoughts of invasion in your enemies minds
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Japan is not the only one under threat. The Philippines have island far closer to taiwan than Japan is. That is why Japan and Ph are now working on a defense treaty as well. There is no way Japan and Philippines will not be dragged here even if US has no bases on both countries. This is because of overlapping territorial claims. China is known to exaggerate the claim of their territory. Once Taiwan is taken by China, they will take any island nearby to expand their territory.
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I am so happy that Japan is expanding it's ability to defend its Islands with substantial military forces
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自分が銃を持っていようが持っていまいが相手に害意があれば撃たれるもの。しかし自分も銃を持っていて反撃する気があることを示せば相手は躊躇する。割に合わないと思わせることが重要 残念だけれど平和とはそういうものだと思う。
