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| China-Japan-Koreas |
| Japan Gets a Special Relationship |
| 2006-04-23 |
| Step by step, the United States has been increasing its intelligence cooperation with Japan until it is reaching the level long maintained with allies like Britain and Australia. The most recent agreement, to share information on Internet based terrorism and cyber crime in general, allows for the exchange of the most sensitive information. Japan's intelligence operations have been very discreet, but have been increasing since the 1990s (when domestic terrorists made the first, and so far only, attacks using nerve gas). In the late 1990s, Japan reformed its intelligence activities, and created an office (Naicho) that could keep tabs on what Japan's many intel organizations were up to. With the growing threat from North Korea and China, Japan has put more resources into keeping tabs on its neighbors. There are lots of Japanese businessmen working throughout East Asia, and these provide excellent opportunities for gathering intelligence (even if all you do is chat with these people as needed, and find out what they have seen and heard.) The Japanese have demonstrated an exceptional ability to gather intel in difficult places, like North Korea. In light of all this, it should be no surprise that the Japanese and American spies are getting cozy. Can't say I'm craxy about this, but we may have no choice. |
| Posted by:Nimble Spemble |
| #9 The Army and USDOD is setting up a SPECOPS command in Japan, to include the new USMC specunits, while the US Navy is reportedly planning to send up to four FBM? boomer/missle subs to Guam, to add to the SSN's already there. Guam-WESTPAC is now linked to Hawaii and Alaska as the three primary, US-specific, "hedgehog" legs of America's Pacific and Global defense. Both CHIna and the USA are vying for major trade and espec defense agreements with anti-everybody unified Vietnam. All the post-1975 Commie Viets got wid the Soviets were the frowned-on "Americans without Money"!? |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2006-04-23 23:50 |
| #8 I found the Japanese demanding but very rational to partner with. I enjoyed working with them. |
| Posted by: 3dc 2006-04-23 22:46 |
| #7 Common interests make the best basis for cooperation. Japan wants the Norks kept on a leash, they want to trade with China, but are wary of their military ambitions. They want peace in Asia, a secure supply of oil, and relatively unfettered global trade. They've been very supportive (given the limits of the 1945 constitution) of the war on terror. Overall, a strong ally - far better than any in Western Europe, with the exception of Britain. |
| Posted by: DMFD 2006-04-23 16:49 |
| #6 Mind your Geisha chat, it can go both ways. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2006-04-23 11:41 |
| #5 Containment huh? |
| Posted by: DarthVader 2006-04-23 11:25 |
| #4 I think you're right DJOHN66, That is part of the reason we have been trying to buddy up with India in such a public manner too. |
| Posted by: Gluting Gleck6803 2006-04-23 10:46 |
| #3 Send in the Ninjas. |
| Posted by: gromgoru 2006-04-23 10:18 |
| #2 Since the next power struggle will be with China, we just lining up the allies now. We are making sure China knows it to. |
| Posted by: djohn66 2006-04-23 09:13 |
| #1 Makes emminent sense to me. |
| Posted by: phil_b 2006-04-23 08:37 |