| (Copyright 2021) by Richard Markland (London, Ohio) |
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| While American conservative and liberal media outlets report daily on mostly political, economic, and social ills, very little is being reported about Asian nations presenting a threat to the West. Japan is completely overlooked as a military superpower in the making. With the rise of Japan, an Asian alliance beyond anything seen in history will form. It will far surpass the United States and Europe in military capability. While there are differences now, both Russia and China will lead a united Asian front, which will become a worldwide threat. While Japan’s military buildup is developing at lightning speed and justified, it is only a matter of time until it once again becomes an enemy of the United States and the West. Leaders in Washington and the American people, however, take for granted that Japan will continue to be a trusted ally. Nothing could be further from the truth. America will find itself alone and abandoned by its allies. Ezekiel 16:37- “This is what I am going to do. I will gather together all your allies- the lovers with whom you have sinned (always been able to rely upon), both those you loved and those you hated (both allies and enemies)-and I will strip you naked in front of them so they can stare at you (America will be completely helpless before them).” (LRB) The following report should alarm America and the West. Japan’s Military, Among World’s Strongest, Looks to Build (The Associated Press December 6, 2021 “Dozens of tanks and soldiers fired explosives and machine guns in drills Monday on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, a main stronghold for a nation that is perhaps the world’s least-known powerhouse. “The drills, which foreign journalists rarely have a chance to witness, will continue for nine days and include about 1,300 Ground Self Defense Force troops. On Monday, as hundreds of soldiers cheered from the sidelines and waved unit flags, lines of tanks shot at targets meant to represent enemy missiles or armored vehicles. “The exercises illuminate a fascinating, easy-to-miss point. Japan, despite and officially pacifist constitution written when memories of its World War II rampage were still fresh – and painful – boasts a military that puts all but a few nations to shame. “It’s not an easy sell in a nation still reviled by many of its past military actions, and where domestic pacifism runs high, where any military buildup is controversial. “Japan has focused on its defensive capabilities and carefully avoids using the word “military” for its troops. But as it looks to defend its territorial and military interests against an assertive China, North Korea and Russia, officials in Tokyo are pushing citizens to put aside widespread unease over a more robust role for the military and support increased defense spending. “As it is, tens of billions of dollars each year have built an arsenal of nearly 1000 warplanes and dozens of destroyers and submarines. Japan’s forces rival those of Britain and France and show no sign of slowing down in pursuit of the best equipment and weapons money can buy. “Proponents of the new military muscle flexing say the expansion is well-timed and crucial to the Japanese alliance with the US. “In October, a fleet of five warships each from China and Russia circled Japan as they traveled through the Pacific to the East China Sea. Last month, their warplanes flew together near Japan’s airspace, causing Japanese fighter jets to scramble. In fiscal year 2020 through March, Japanese fighters scrambled more than 700 times – two-thirds against Chinese warplanes, with the remainder mostly against Russians – the Defense Ministry said. “Russia’s military also recently deployed coastal defense missile systems, the Bastion, near disputed islands off the northern coast of Hokkaido. “Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has watered down the war-renouncing Article 9 of the constitution in 2015, allowing Japan to come to the defense of the United States and other partner nations. “Japan has rapidly stepped up its military role and has made more purchases of costly American weapons and equipment, including fighter jets and missile interceptors. “Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishido, who took office in October, said during his first troop review that he would consider “all options,” including possibly pursuing pre-emptive strike capabilities to further “increase Japan’s defense power” – a divisive issue that opponents say violates the constitution. “Japan has more than 900 warplanes, 48 destroyers, including eight Aegis missile-combating systems, and 20 submarines. That exceeds Britain, Germany, and Italy. Japan is also buying 147 F-35s, including 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest user of American stealth fighters outside of the United States, where 353 are to be deployed. “Their deployment is crucial for Japanese defense in the Indo-Pacific, and the country is now retrofitting two flattops, the Izumo and Kaga, as the country’s first aircraft carriers since the end of World War II. “Among Japan’s biggest worries is China’s increased naval activity, including an aircraft carrier that has been repeatedly spotted off Japan’s southern coast. “The Japanese Cabinet recently approved a $6.8 billion extra budget for the fiscal year to accelerate missile defense and reconnaissance activity around Japanese territorial seas and airspace, and to bolster mobility and emergency responses to defend its remote East China Sea islands. That would bring the 2021 defense spending total to $53.2 billion, up 15% from the previous year. “China’s buildup of military facilities in the South China Sea has heightened Tokyo’s concerns in the East China Sea, where the Japanese-controlled Senkaku islands are also claimed by Beijing, which calls them Diaoyu. China has sent armed coast guard boats to routinely circle them and to go in and out of Japanese-claimed waters, sometimes chasing Japanese fishing boats in the area. “Japan deploys PAC3 land-to-air missile interceptors on its westernmost island of Yonaguni, which is only 68 miles east of Taiwan. “As China is playing tough in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan has emerged as a regional flashpoint, with Japan, the United States and other democracies developing closer ties with the self-ruled island that Beijing regards as a renegade territory to be united by force if necessary. “In part because of a relative decline of America’s global influence, Japan has expanded military partnerships and joint exercises beyond its alliance with the US, including Australia, Canada, Britain, France, and other European countries. “Despite the government’s argument that more is needed, there are worries domestically over Japan’s rapid expansion of defense capabilities and costs. “Although the defense policy needs to respond flexibly to changes in the national security environment, a soaring defense budget could cause neighboring countries to misunderstand that Japan is becoming a military power and is accelerating an arms race,” the newspaper Tokyo Shimbun said in a recent editorial.” Why Punishment Is Coming Ezekiel 16:38-40- “will punish you for your murder (a scourge in the nation’s cities) and adultery (promiscuous sexual perversions). I will cover you with blood in my jealous fury (due to blatant disobedience). (39) Then I will give you to these many nations who are your lovers (allies turned enemies), and they will destroy you… (40 They will band together (form alliances) in a mob (as a group) to stone you and cut you up with swords (they will invade the United States). They will burn your homes…and end your payments to your many lovers (payments for support by allies will end).” (LRB) Nationwide Repentance As A Result Of Correction Ezekiel 16:42- “Then at last my fury against you will be spent (accomplished), and my jealous anger will subside. I will be calm and will not be angry with you anymore (God will show mercy due to America repenting as a nation).” (LRB) ————————————————————————————————————- See Richard Markland’s other articles at: Markland, Richard – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) ————————————————————————————————————- |
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