japanBy John R. Houk
© 4/17/2006
The War on Terrorism and the blunt ambitions of Iran have overshadowed an emerging competition among East Asian nations. China and India are emerging democratic VS authoritarian competitors; however East Asian eyes are slowly looking side ways at one time military super power Japan.
China, the Koreas and the Philippines in particular have publicly expressed concern that Japan may be rearming. Japan was a vicious military conqueror of those nations. On the other hand circumstances are changing in East Asia. China is becoming a legitimate military and economic super power with designs on East Asian hegemonic domination. This concerns the capitalists in Japan. Japan is slowly realizing that America's National Interest may not be capable of insuring security and stable access to resources that Japan needs. America is realizing that China is getting too big for its britches. This one reason for American overtures to India. In regard to China circumstances might entail the re-armament of the Japanese Military. That in itself is a risky proposition due to Japan's past military aggression. Japan's past aggression began to maintain its status of power by acquiring resources from other nations. This is the same problem that China is running into today and it is the obvious reason as to why China cozies up to rogue nations such as Iran.
Could a re-armed Japan be a viable balance of power in East Asia?
If you wish to further contemplate this conundrum read Japan Also Rises.
