US Military Says Must Have Offensive Weaponry

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Isabel Reynolds and Andreo Calonzo, US Military Says Japan Must Inform Public of China Threat. Bloomberg, Oct 21, 2019.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/a ... lic-of-china-threat

Quote:

(a) "There needs to be a discussion between the government of Japan and the public about the threats that are out there, said the US military officer, who spoke Monday [Oct 21] to reporters on condition of anonymity. The officer cited China as a particular risk [as well as North Korea]. * * * Japan, which hosts about 50,000 US military personnel, also places tighter constraints on training than other countries, the officer said.

(b) "Japan's avoidance of offensive weaponry under its constitution is no longer acceptable and should be another topic of discussion with the public, the officer said.

"Restrictions on training, such as access to ranges or permission to fly at low altitude or at night, are affecting the ability of both US forces and Japan's own Self-Defense Forces to prepare for contingencies, the US officer said

(c) "The Asian nation [China] had a plan to increase its access across the globe, US Coast Guard commandant [which is head] Admiral Karl Schultz said in a teleconference Monday, as he warned of Beijing's 'coercive and antagonistic' actions in disputed waters.

" 'China talks about peaceful conduct, and then we see man-made island where there weren't islands before,' Schultz said when asked to assess Beijing's actions in the South China Sea.

"The US Coast Guard will continue to increase presence and add more vessels in the Pacific amid China's 'expansive intent,' he added.