The Japanese Foreign Minister, Taro Aso, is sure getting a lot of press coverage for his messaging strategy. From what I have read in the newspapers and seen on television is that Aso takes a very hard 'right-wing' approach to Japan's history (read - 'Military') and social affairs. He believes that Japan through its 'expansionist moves' in the early part of the 20th Century brought good to the region. From his glib comments that Japan's colonization of Taiwan ushered in a strong sense of education and thus, helped propel Taiwan into an era of economic prosperity to his thoughts on the Emperor being allowed to visit Yasukuni Shrine. A big no-no in Asia.
If Aso plans on running for the soon-to-be-vacant position of LDP President (this person assumes the premiership of Japan), he'll need to clean up his 'diplomacy' skills and do it PDQ.
As for China's supposed military threat to Japan: It's real. I, too, am worried that China will launch a military attack against Japan. But, that attack will be prompted by the outright moves of Taiwan to announce their intentions to be independent from China. As they should do. Taiwan should not be bullied into forming a politicial and economic union with the Middle Kingdom unless it is the will of the Taiwanese people.
As for China's invasion of Japan, here is how it will play out.
Taiwan announces independence. China launches a military assault against the country. US armed forces stationed in Japan are mobilized. China launches a pre-emptive strike against the military bases in Japan. Japan is compelled to defend itself against it aggressor. China retaliates by landing 100,000 troops in Hokkaido, Akita, Shimane, Hiroshima, and Kyushu.
End of Story. End of Asia.
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