Japan's Maritime Strategy: How Japan plans to stop China's expansion into the Pacific

Japan's 🎌 strategy is greatly affected by the sea. Over the years, the Japanese governments foreign policy strategy has been influenced by the changes in the international security environment. First against 🇷🇺Soviet Russia and now against 🇨🇳China's expansionism strategy, Japan has been at the side of 🇺🇸US forces in the Pacific.
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Table of content:
00:00 Japan's Strategic Environment
01:10 Japanese Sea Lanes
02:50 Rising Tension between China, Korea and Japan
03:16 Japanese Maritime Strategy of containing China
04:42 Soviet Containment
05:53 Japan's constitutional constraints
06:18 The birth of Japanese Self Defense Forces
07:07 Japanese Straits Containment Strategy
07:41 Importance of Vladivostok Port
07:55 China's threat containment
08:16 First Island Chain
08:58 Chinese Strategic Po
11:43 Bashi Channel
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If you liked this video, please consider subscribing to this channel! / @kamome163
🎙Narration by Jasper! DM him on Discord (Jasper'sVoice2734) and follow his great KZbin channel too!( / @dayfallva9303 )
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With the fall of the Soviet Union in the 90s’ and the Rise of Chinese economic and military clout in the first years of the 2000s’, Japanese strategic planners started to slowly but steadily shift their strategic locus from the north of the archipelago to its south.
In a similar fashion to the encirclement of Russian naval bases in the sea of Japan and Oshkosh, Tokyo’s military commanders set for a containment strategy against Chinese expansion towards the first island chain.
The first island chain concept represents an imaginary string starting from the southern tip of Kyushu, all the way down to the South China Sea, encompassing the Japanese Nansei Shoto archipelagos, aka the Ryukyu, Taiwan, and the northern tip of Luzon island, in the Philippines.
The first island chain in Chinese eyes, represents its immediate “backyard” and its therefore an essential buffer region in securing its coastal border.
Over the years, Beijing’s strategic planners have been focused on figuring out a way to secure its maritime borders and the few passageways linking its eastern and northern ports to the Pacific Ocean.
The home ports for the northern and eastern fleets, Qingdao (pronounced as ching·dau) and Ningbo (pronounced as ning·bow), are cut off from directly accessing the western pacific by the Japanese archipelago and Taiwan.
Indeed, the only few passageways connecting the east china sea with the open ocean are through a series of straits and chokepoints, all under the crosshairs of China’s regional competitors.
While, In the South China Sea the PRC has in over two decades developed a network of bases built on man-made islands, on the East China Sea it has been struggling to assert its influence.
Beijing has been trying for many years to expand its control over the first island chain, by aggressively contesting the disputed islands with Japan and Korea but also by pushing these countries fishing and oceanographic vessels out of these international waters.
Some analysts have argued that China might even push for building artificial militarized islands, like the one in the South CHina Sea.
On the flip side, Japanese strategy is focused on opposing Chinese expansionism plans. Tokyo is looking to stop Beijing advance by installing anti-ship and anti-aircraft batteries on the islands stretching from the tip of Kyushu, down to the Miyakojima archipelago.
Equipping these islands with long range anti-ship missiles capabilities, would create a powerful barrier cutting off, or at least hindering, direct access to the western pacific for chinese warships and submarines. As of now for the Chinese navy there are two main passageways that hold particular strategic relevance.
These are the Miyako strait and the Bashi Channel.
The Miyako strait is the only international waters passageway into the Pacific, spreading from Okinawa islands at the north and Miyakojima’s archipelago at the south, close to Taiwan. Any ships sailing through this, would have to pass the crosshairs of Japanese radars and anti-ship batteries, making it a formidable obstacle for every navy.
For China this strait offers the most direct access into western Pacific from its north and eastern coasts, and the lack of control over this body of water drastically dampens its blue waters power projection capabilities and mines the security of its coastal border.
The Bashi channel instead, is a much wider body of international waters, expanding from Taiwan's southern coast to the northern tip of Luzon island in the Philippines, connecting the South China Sea with the Pacific Ocean.

[@benjmiester]

The time has come Japan. You know what to do. You've always known. You have to start building Gundams!

[@benji45645]

* bipedal defensive mobility platforms not "gundams", I'm pretty sure the treaty said no gundams and no kaiju

[@HTx78]

sex gundams

[@Kamome163]

LMAO

[@therecklesswarlock6439]

Dibs on 00 quanta and barbatos lupus!

[@threathy]

Cringe

[@Tomoyuki473]

“I don’t know what you’re talking about bro we don’t have an army or any aircraft carriers”… says the country with an army and multiple aircraft carriers… Lmao I love Japan.

[@Kamome163]

😂

[@edison7300037]

japan: we only have 4 helicopter destroyers coincidentally able for F-35 to take off and land. SO THEY ARE NOT AIRCRAFT CARRIERS. rest of the world: WOW, JUST WOW.

[@rexmann1984]

@@edison7300037 these are very small and weak ships. Nothing like an American carrier. We(USA) have about thirty vessels like this.

[@rexmann1984]

The problem is that they need a bigger military but don't have the young men to fill their ranks.

[@edison7300037]

​@@rexmann1984 weak or not is never the concern, violating or finding loopholes from your own constitution however, is a greater one.

[@catbertz]

YT suggested you, and I really enjoyed your high quality content and chill tone. Subbed and rang the bell!

[@Kamome163]

Thank you so much for subscribing! The next video is in the workings!

[@patrickmcglonejr8163]

Could use just another notch or 2 on the volume, other than that its a good video.

[@thebigmoneyshow806]

The shipping line you drew didnt pas through Taiwan straight and I don’t think the merchant ships passed through Taiwan straight. This is the problem with a lot of KZbin videos on China issue, they amped up the issue from 100 into something more severe/serious like 150.

[@edofluit6568]

@@Kamome163 I watch alot of video's about geopolitics like Caspian report and geohistory. Im delighted to see a new channel has popped up that makes video's about that. Your video's are of very high quality. The information is given without an opinion which makes the video unbaised in my opinion. The video edits are well produced, keep you engaged to the video and are informative about the information talked about. The narrators voice is nice to listen too and is very understandeble. The video seems to give only information thats important for the viewer to understand the topic, and not to strech the video. Sorry I only gave positive critique cause it wont help you to improve :p but I just wanted you guys to know that I liked the video very much and why. Im enthousiastic and can't wait for more video's from your channel!

[@Kamome163]

@@thebigmoneyshow806 Thanks for the feedback! I'm sorry if my analysis was confusing and appeared misleading. I just want to provide facts on this kind of issue. The Taiwan Strait is a critical area in East Asia, and it will increasingly be. And Taiwanese exports to western countries are essential for many countries' industries, thus even though only a smaller portion of sea lanes pass through the Taiwan strait, Taiwan is quite important in the contemporary industrial supply chain.

[@LeBookKeeper]

This is good, maybe you could increase the volume of your, otherwise very good narration. You have rightly pointed out that Japan is a country that could adapt easily. However, I think that Article 9, would be a major hindrance to Japanese efforts.

[@Kamome163]

Thank you for the feedback! I will! I completely agree on that. Article 9 is there and will be there for the foreseeable future. Japanese public is quite wary of any constitutional changes, so that it never happened, and in particular of those proposing changes concerning the military. Abe cabinet pushed a lot proposing revisions and new interpretation, however this can only stretch the functions of the JSDF. Perhaps, only in case Japan will feel under a tangible security threat, the art. 9 might see some changes. What do you think?

[@LeBookKeeper]

@@Kamome163 I think Article 9 will change under 2 key prerequisite circumstances. 1, Japan is threatened, and the general populace accepts it as such, and 2, an authority with legitimacy high enough for it to be considered acceptable to amend the Article. I think these two prerequisite is a must. For prerequisite 1, the threat must be substantial and widely accepted by both the Japanese populace and the US. The threat must be very very real and are profound enough to convince the Japanese people that drastic measures should be taken. Economic matters aren't enough, the threat must be able to actualize itself to the average Japanese citizen. I think this will be very hard, the few circumstances in which these conditions should be met that I could think of, is either a Declaration of War, in which case there's no reason to amend Article 9, since the provisions of the Article does not prevent Japan from responding to a War, or maybe missile or direct naval threat, but I doubt that it will be enough, since North Korean missile threats have not pushed the Japanese public to accept an imminent and dangerous state, in which thee first prerequisite requires. Although China and a Missile hitting too close on Japanese coast might change it, it is quite unlikely. Lastly, if prerequisite one has been fulfilled, the last thing they need is an authority, much like the emperor which its authority is widely accepted by the Japanese populace, and the degree of its authority is high enough for Article 9 to be amended. Such as the emperor, but I doubt he himself would be able to do it. But, I can't really think of any other suitable candidate, since I doubt a popular government with US support could cut it, except maybe extending the interpretation of the Article way beyond what it is now. Anyways, sorry for the wall of text. I generally agree with you, the popular government could only push Article 9 so far. Thank you for replying though. I like your videos, and I think your channel has serious prospects.

[@overbored617]

no fucking way the countries japan enslaved would just look down like an idiot while japan makes their own offensive army. china, korea, taiwan(?), philippines, indonesia, malaysia, singapore and india(?) won't stay silent if they even try to do anything that would make them have military power

[@generalpeeps]

How does article 9 apply in terms of defensive alliances? can Japan have mutual defence agreements with other countries (such as the US, S.Korea or mabye even Taiwan)? As such agreements would still make offensive wars impossible yet would allow Japan to intervene if an allied nation is attacked and would ease fears of countries like S.Korea. Ultimately the biggest step would be an agreement like this between US, Japan and Taiwan allowing them to protect the most vulnerable part of the containment. However, China would undoubtedly see the writing on the wall with such an agreement and retaliate with extreme measures if not war.

[@LeBookKeeper]

@@generalpeeps Yes, Article 9 would allow that, but the biggest thing about article 9 is not declaring war itself. If a war was declared upon you, you are in a war, and have every right to retaliate. It is the preparations for the war that causes concerns.

[@alanparsonsfan]

Excellent, informative commentary and graphics. Well done. Looks like the southern gap between Japan and the Philippines deserves more attention.

[@Kamome163]

Thank you for the comment! Yup, that will be the topic for a new video!

[@davidiwata7063]

That is why Taiwan needs to be protected and recognized.

[@pandesal1421]

the Americans got that covered for us

[@hawkshot867]

Me thinks that might be why a certain nuclear submarine deal was struck with a certain southern country...

[@f430ferrari5]

@John Grigg might even be fine without the US so long as India joins in and creates havoc with their border disputes. The problem for China is geographic and they are getting into too many disputes with other nations such as Vietnam and Philippines. A combined Naval force of Taiwan, Vietnam, and Philippines in the southern region causes problems for China. Same for AirPower. Global military rankings has China 3 but India is 4 with Japan at 5. Just Japan and India combined have more aircraft than China. Total aircraft / fighter intercepts: China 3.260 / 1,200 India 2,119 / 542 Japan 1,480 / 256 But here is the kicker. Taiwan has 739 aircraft with 288 fighter interceptors. Add in Philippines and Vietnam aircraft and they clearly outnumber China as of now. China’s Navy is bottlenecked also. It’s hard for them to grow in size unless they establish other naval bases outside of their own territory.

[@istivanp8747]

Great information, looking forward to more of this channel. I have a point of feedback: seems the volume of this video is quite low. I had to have my phone volume turned all the way up, and even then it felt as if it were around 60% of an average video. I forgot I had the volume set to max when I clicked on another vid, and got blasted lol

[@Kamome163]

Sorry for the volume issue. I guess that was a sabotage attempt by the PLA 😝. I will fix it for the next video!

[@rudrashivagana1578]

Well done! Informative and clearly illustrates the geopolitical drivers of conflict in the region, keep up the good work

[@lol3ndir]

Subscribed! This is how I remember History channel when I was in school. Thank you and looking forward for new videos.

[@ruebenananthansanthanadass9347]

Great work! Very informative and interesting! Looking forward to more videos!

[@Kamome163]

Thank you Rueben! ❤️

[@wothin]

Awesome channel. Keep it up. On a somewhat irrelevant note, I find it quite funny that whenever I find a Caspian report like channel, they are from different countries. Caspian report is from Azerbaijan, good times bad times is from Poland, and you are from Italy.

[@zinedinezethro9157]

We need more until we have geopolitic channels from all countries on earth lmao. So who's gonna go for US?

[@BigBoss-sm9xj]

thats very true! and they are all great too

[@blakehansen8284]

What's funny about that? Seems WAAAAAAAY more likely for geopolitical content like the sources you mentioned to come from countries in the Baltics or Central Europe.

[@SFdrummerboy]

Thank you. Great comprehensive video. Included many countries affected by...

[@bobburich1667]

Great video Thank You

[@simeonbradstock4214]

I really love your channel so far, you've got great potential especially as more and more people become interested in these topics. Thanks for the really good videos!

[@jaec5680]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4OqdKOojaeXi7c

[@Kamome163]

Thank you so much for the support! It's already great that there are people liking my content! Stay tuned for the next video!🙌

[@Wvums]

Great video! I just subscribed, can’t see what other geopolitical related strategies you may talk about next

[@jamesmetz5147]

Very informative. Thank You

[@DanielBrown-sn9op]

Well done. Thank you.🌏

[@tykep1009]

Not many media outlets explain how much Japan's naval power contributes to the balance of power in terms of containment of China and Russia, so this video is very much appreciated. I often see people on KZbin accusing Japan of being nationalistic and militarized while leaving aside China, which is clearly authoritarian and threatens its neighbors with military power (I suspect that most of them are agents associated with CCP.) In reality, both the Japanese people and the media are overly tainted with unarmed pacifism in reaction to imperialism and defeat in WWII, and the constitution can't even be revised. The soldiers of the SDF are still cursed as unconstitutional and illegal by some people. Even though the soldiers will risk their lives to protect those people. It is okay if you hate Japan because of past grudges, but if you live in a non-Communist country and enjoy freedom, please show some respect for the soldiers who function as the front lines and buffer zones for you.

[@koreli41]

great narration, very well explained. I wished you would've delved more into the topic of South Korean / North Korean waters and how Japans strategy is there, but generally, great vid!

[@frankcessna7345]

Well done video. Thank you

[@DemonBrandon]

Very well done. kudos

[@iso-ski]

Great video! Geopolitics should be something taught in high schools as it makes it easier to understand a countries political stance, culture, etc. I'm addicted to these type of videos but I must say your video is by far my favorite. Looking forward to your future videos.

[@Kamome163]

Thank you so much for the support! I agree with you, I was only able to get to study this kind of topic at college and that's something that should be taught much earlier, perhaps in conjunction with geography too. It can teach so much on the reasons why countries behave and act the way they do. Hope you'll like the next videos too!

[@Puzzoozoo]

While the dual passport carrying pretend members of a minor religion that thinks it is special and above all laws controls all aspects of education and communication, it isn't going to happen, EVER.

[@iso-ski]

@@Puzzoozoo What are you even talking about. Kamome - I think you now have some 50 cent army commenters now. A major milestone for your KZbin page. Congratulations 🎉

[@rjcarillo1414]

I completely agree and geopolitics is a must for people to be really aware to what's happening around them

[@ChairmanMeow1]

Geopolitics shape what happens in the world... what could be more interesting? :D

[@phil20_20]

Most fortunate that Japan has so many islands spread so far.

[@lizardking3979]

Congrets to your awesome work! Right to the point!

[@royvincenttrinidad7604]

Great presentation… keep more coming

[@FOLIPE]

Interesting. It would be interested to hear more about the Philipines too

[@aklhj]

Given we’re due for an administrative change next year. It sure will age like milk, or age beautifully.

[@shinchan-F-urmom]

@@aklhj or get DF17s in manilla 🤣

[@850911darren]

I got to be honest, as a Taiwanese, I always see news about the Chinese navy passing the Miyako Strait, but I never knew that that was the only international water they could utilize to enter the pacific other than the Bashi channel.

[@Kamome163]

That's the beauty of maps.

[@robr177]

I think there lies the problem. Western media raises alarms about China's "aggression" (because that's what they think their audience wants to hear), which makes it sound like the PRC is looking for war. Like you said, the only access China has to trade routes is through the East China Sea between Japan and Taiwan and the South China Sea between Taiwan and Philippines. The fact that Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines are all allied with the Western powers is alarming to THEM. I believe they are acting in defense, and that they want Taiwan because it would secure their access to the Pacific. I wonder, if we were to negotiate some kind of reduction of military presence in the region, could we receive some sort of guarantee to leave Taiwan alone? A standing down of tensions in the area would certainly ease the current fears of military conflict.

[@patriciawilliams1232]

@@robr177 It's a nice idea. Unfortunately the PRC has a long history of breaking any treaty they sign when it becomes even slightly inconvenient, sometimes before the ink has dried!

[@-hd4yz]

@@robr177 We found the Chinese sympathizer. Do not forget that this is an ideological battle about whose system is better. Democratic (West) or authoritarian (China). Why should the world tolerate authoritarianism?

[@jimmychu801]

Japan has one more international water is Tsugaru Strait where is located in between Hokkaido and Honshu ( the main island). It’s a channel for Russia and China’s navy join exercise ships into the Pacific Ocean.

[@micahknight116]

Very high quality analysis! Looking forward to more like it

[@user-fl2sb7uh1z]

Well done! I enjoyed watching this video. Please more video!

[@ronelskiii6895]

Great content, Kamome! As a Filipino, I have always been wondering about what's really happening inside our region including our neighboring countries. Now, through this video, I was now enlightened with what's happening in these seas. Thank You!

[@billpetersen298]

May you one day, get your south Asian sea islands back.

[@EbuzzNYC]

The new enhanced cooperation between Philippines and the USN should really help plug that Bashi Channel containment strategy.

[@11fasteddie]

@@billpetersen298 sorry but what islands, not familiar... thanks

[@billpetersen298]

@@11fasteddie Hi, not actually islands, but reefs and atolls. Off the coast of the Philippines, and other countries in the region. The Chinese fishing fleet militia, took possession of some of these places. Came in with dredges, pumped them full of sand, to make islands. Then built military bases on them. It’s part of why they also want japans islands, north of Taiwan. To contain Taiwan, and control the shipping routes. That Japan, S Korea, and other regional countries, rely upon.

[@11fasteddie]

@@billpetersen298 right,,, and vietnam, and other non dominant countries,,, chyyyna are bullying these countries...

[@Shadowgunner785]

Just found this video, it's really well made and very informative on Japan's grand strategy!! If you ever get the chance I highly recommend reading "Japanese Foreign Intelligence and Grand Strategy" it goes into detail of how Japan tried to used it's intelligence capabilities during the cold war and how it's trying to shift them towards current events today. Definitely give it a read when you get the chance

[@a.ganchev]

Well done! Keep pushing!

[@BV-fr8bf]

Thank you. Solid analysis. Time to subscribe!

[@KhelanBhatt]

Great start to a promising channel! Please do a video on India’s strategy in the Indo Pacific, Australia’s maritime strategy, followed by the Quad and AUCUS!

[@Kamome163]

Great topics! duly noted. Would be interested in other regions too?

[@jakewalker1586]

Faith in Japan. Love the culture.

[@jordiegundersen1465]

Good doco thanks..

[@atanumaulik7093]

Great analysis! Keep up the good work.

[@theironcup]

This was an excellent introductory video for Japanese Maritime strategy, with clear infographics and a clear and concise script. Too improve, I think the audio levels are a little low, and more could have been said about the political context for the JMSDF and its evolution and how this in turn affected strategy. Look forward to seeing more of your videos in the future.

[@looinrims]

I disagree the title is “containing China” the history of the Japanese military isn’t too relevant to this topic

[@theironcup]

@@looinrims The SDF has to work within very strict perametres under article 9, this includes the JMSDF's commissioning of ships and purchasing of equipment. Such basic questions other militaries don't really have to think about, such as 'does this missile launcher constitute a defensive or offensive weapon' etc. This is all changing due to the China threat and subsequent SDF build-up, but I think it adds a layer of context which would improve the videos primary analysis.

[@matpk]

@@theironcup Compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist China IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late

[@conflictofnationssolovicto1299]

China is really angry right now. LOL 😳🙀🙀 👇🏻 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2fQpZmDi8ejoZI

[@jej_x]

Great vid! Just need to increase the volume of your voice.

[@Volition1001]

Pumped for the content coming from this channel. Keep up the great work

[@irenesorina3934]

Thanks.

[@zinedinezethro9157]

Japan really do be "don't be loud, let your actions speaks for itself". Madlad literally actively participating against China, yet no one are talking about it. But the effects are there. Also insta-subscribe. Amazing content.

[@immanuelpaulmoses7890]

Sigma grind set

[@ex0duzz]

They cannot be loud because they have no voice. They do whatever isa tells them to. USA wrote their constitution and allowed the royal family to remain in order to be a puppet and control Japan. They pulled Abes war criminal grandfather out of sugamo to be Japan's first post ww2 PM. USA can destroy Japan anytime it wants, technologically, dplomatically/politically, economically, and militarily. Japan hardly wants to be a pawn shield in the middle of two giants like USA and China. No one in Asia does. Especially smaller direct neighbours. Unfortunately Japan has no choice due to ww2. Lol

[@tritium1998]

Japan looks "loud" all the time with you weebs exaggerating everything about its power. If anything, it's Japan's internal problems with its economy and society (especially since its 1990s stagflation) that are quietened.

[@zinedinezethro9157]

@@ex0duzz not really Japan is pretty free in what it's doing. Something that people tend to forget is that while yes the WW2 convention does affect Japan in it's foreign policy, but many of it's points are self-inflicted. Like having no military(defensive only) is self inflicted. Compared to China, yes Japan is far smaller about 3 times as small. But it's pressence is not. Japan still boast even despite the self-inflicted point of having no military, a massive and powerful though defense focused Navy. A really solid Airforce and a well equipped army.

[@zinedinezethro9157]

@@tritium1998 i am not dismissing the problems in Japan. But Japan's role in geopolitics are usually overlooked (idk why fr doe) which is kinda both good and bad. Japan is still the world's 3rd largest economy and 2nd in Asia with a big population and a solid military. It has problems ranging from stagnation to the good old aging population, but it's still a massive regional and partly global powerhouse. In other cases like France or say Turkey they tend to be pretty loud with their pressence. Japan is pretty silent i should say. Though you can definitely feel it's not sleeping either. A more similar comparison ig is Germany? Germany for a nation that's powerful is not that loud compared to it's neighbors, but it's might is definitely there and u can feel it across Europe, it's just not loud about it.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

In 2018, then Prime Minister Abe's government made another re-interpretation of Japan's pacifist postwar constitution. This finally made possible the deployment overseas of Japanese combat troops for the first time since 1945. Japan is now ready to fight in the defense of her allies.

[@xerogue]

Japan is capable of nothing in the region without direct American help. China controls east Asia in every militaty aspect. Even the US stands to lose in Asia against China. Keep puffing your chest, don't be surprised when you are challenged.

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

@@xerogue They'd arguably be more effective and powerful without American support. Japan is a top 5 military power in only its "self-defense" state, while spending less than 1% of its total GDP on the military. Even in its weakest state its a world class naval and air force, which is the most relevant for an island as Japan. They also hold plutonium stock and the infrastructure required to assemble nuclear weapons in a matter of months, the equivalent of 6,000 warheads. The reason Japan doesn't spend much on its military is due to the fact that they simply do not need to and is more efficient to accept the US help offered. They can if they wish though. You also forget the fact that Japan is nearly impossible to invade, even in WW2 the allies were afraid of the sheer Allied casualties from an invasion. It always has been difficult and still is today. There is also zero incentive in invading Japan as there is practically no resources in the island and the cost of doing so is not worth it for any nation.

[@xerogue]

@@user-pn3im5sm7k Japan is nobody compared to USA or China. Only a mere pawn pretending to be a King

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

@@xerogue Didn't they say that with Russia? But then what happened in 1905? China was being absolutely destroyed by a country 1/10th its size, with Japan capturing 90% of the Chinese populace on the Eastern Coast of China. The deadliest foe the United States has ever faced was Japan, with the worst US military disasters occurring at the hands of the Japanese. The largest loss of my fellow US servicemembers was also at the hands of the Japanese in the pacific. Yes, Japan culturally is in decadence, but war will turn Japan around just like it does with any country. The Japanese also know why they lost the second world war; oil and lack of manufacturing power. They now have both of those, the former being sustained in mass stockpiles. The Japan today is far more capable than the Japan of yesterday. Nobody, including the United States is able to successfully invade Japan.

[@xerogue]

@@user-pn3im5sm7k you are comparing China then, a country which was one of the poorest in the world, to China today...hahaha....all ur history is irrelevant. Remember one thing, size is relevent unless you are not a nuclear power. The second Japan tries to develop nukes, it will be nuked.

[@eslopez98]

Awesome video!

[@oemolokupano4512]

Thanks for this video. Very informative. I have new insights. 💖

[@mikekoller8880]

This is the best most succinct explanation I’ve found yet to sketch out the key strategic ambitions roiling the region over access to Pacific. Both Japan and China have enormous interests at stake in the region. It’s difficult to see how it will play out without eventual armed conflict.

[@Kamome163]

Thank you! Hopefully there won't be any conflict, but it seems like the situation will heathen up in the next year. The control of the access points into the Pacific will become increasingly relevant in terms of power projection for the PRC

[@notproctor]

If japan were able to freely expand its navy, it could prove to be an extremely good hindrance to Chinese expansion.

[@lagrangewei]

Japan could only afford a large navy in WWII because they ransom China and Korea for a sum equal to 8 years of Japanese total annual budget(not just military but their absolute taxbase). Japan cannot afford a large navy if it was not an imperial power. unless US allow Japan to colonise Korea and Taiwan again, it is impossible for them to return to where they were. Beside is Japan really against China when China is the largest importer of Japanese produce? Japan only play the part to get thing out of US, the reality is Japan recognise China before US did, they understand China importance to their strategic interest. this is the real reason why US refuse to sell Japan F22 or let Japan build their own F35... once Japan learn the trade, they can switch side.

[@xerogue]

Yes, but what is better is if China starts building alliances with Mexico and latin american countries... Time for China to send military vessels on " freedom of navigation " excersises to the coast of California and to Florida...that will be nice.

[@rssyng]

arms race is never produce a good thing except technological advancement. that thing is the one thing that trigger world war in century ago.

[@user-pn3im5sm7k]

@@lagrangewei They can afford an even more superior navy & air force now. Where did you get this from? You must be Chinese lol.

[@lagrangewei]

@@user-pn3im5sm7k I am from ASEAN actually. and no they cannot. if you don't believe, look at the budget, manpower and tonnage. Japan has at best maintain a force of 8 main surface combatant and another 8 secondary. this is so at the peak of WWII (actually they never reach their target of 8-8, they only build 2 of the 4 yamatos), and today you still see the 8-8 influence in the number of aegis warship they had. China has double that number already. and we are not even including the 2 dozen aegis equipped warship China has for their second line. China is the size of 10 Japan, even if a single Japanese produce 4 time as much as a Chinese(which is quite unlikely but we will assume it is possible), it would still mean that China make 2.5 time that of Japan.

[@pragmatist165]

Complex. Very well researched

[@victornishimoto6029]

Great explanation and video!! Bravo

[@dupleforce7023]

I’m surprised you only have 2k subs

[@Kamome163]

Thank you for the cheer! Just wait for it, we'll get more people in!😝 For me it's really important to be able to share content I'm passionate about, so as long as there're people enjoying it, happy days! Anyway, hope you liked the video!

[@matpk]

@@Kamome163 Compare 1930s Nazi Germany Vs 2020s Communist China IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO Project before it's too late

[@hansheisenberg8737]

Hi, I’m from Japan with masters in national security and intelligence. You sir did a great job covering the history and our way of thinking on how we decide our strategy. From my personal perspective, Japan’s weakness is on cyber capability and lack of budget. We don’t really have capability for high-tech weaponry with data-link….

[@jonduong8331]

Lack of budget? 2021 Japan budgeted was .9% of their GDP & it's the highest. With the up coming election perhaps the new PM will address those oversight.

[@hansheisenberg8737]

@@jonduong8331 umm, we’re bound to use 1% of our GDP constitutionally. Could you kindly give me the source of that number…?

[@hansheisenberg8737]

Also official statistics of 2021 is 54.7B USD which is roughly around 1% of our GDP. I’d love to know where you got that number and how that number was calculated.

[@hansheisenberg8737]

I mean,,, hell,,,, we only have two rolls of bandages in our IFAK FFS,,,

[@jonduong8331]

@@hansheisenberg8737 last cabinet meeting from December 2020, the budget was approved in the amount of 5.34 trillions yen. Since you brought up the constitution, perhaps article IX should be remove, keep in mind Hokkaido is Wide open with just Chitose Air Base to monitor Russia.

[@TheAnt-739]

looking forward for more video post.

[@christopherwinter6911]

Thanks for the really good videos!

[@Ream334]

It’s ridiculous that Japan still has to maintain the charade, repeal article 9. Japan should have never been barred from defending themselves

[@luket1085]

With America in internal crisis of it's own, this is imperative.

[@patrickmclaughlin61]

As with many treaties or articles, there is always a way around it. There was a good reason for implementing article 9. Especially considering the horrors the Japanese inflicted on China. Many other countries and military forces as well. The world is changing yet again. Japan can defend itself but who know if this would get out of hand again.

[@raulisrael7342]

@@patrickmclaughlin61 Tbh deserved considered what they also do to tibetians and it's concentration camps

[@parkersheahan5471]

The message of article 9 is probably more important. Not, 'be dominated by the U.S.', but renouncing the false idealism of empire, especially after the immense sufferings in ww2. Essentially its a constitutional virtue of peace, with some enforcement effects (which i would think it would reasonably prevent imperialist expansion).

[@Ream334]

@@parkersheahan5471 No the message is gay and cringe

[@samfoster709]

To mispronounce archipelagic, and to miss spell scarcity in the same breath is a very tough way to start off such an excellent video.

[@kaushikvsmaniyan]

Insightful

[@joseortega584]

Excellent video thanks

[@Kamome163]

Thank you so much!

[@GudHunterYT96]

Remembers Japan has a life size moving Gundam Me:oh no Japan:modifies it's Gundam to use guns China:oh no Me:oh yes

[@Kamome163]

I would love to see a meme of that🤩

[@edmar7317]

Japan can help the Philippines strengthen its armed forces by providing aid, loans, and grants in building ships and aircrafts. By passing new laws, it can pass on its still capable military equipment to the Philippines, just like what South Korea is doing right now. Kudos to invigorated Japanese - Philippine relationships! - North Las Vegas

[@rs-dp6pr]

Filipino women can also pick up when they left off in world war two.

[@edmar7317]

@@rs-dp6pr What does that mean? If you are trying to derogate Filipinas, then shame on you. Shame on your mother for bringing you into this world.

[@robbrown4621]

Very well done...

[@iyoru.6493]

These are the content I've been looking! Subbed!! 😊

[@JBRocky007]

Excellent view on the situation of the first Island chain. Now we just need to get Japan, South Korea and Taiwan working together.

[@jiangnorman]

Japan once did put these places together, before WWII. At the time Japan Empire conquered Korea, took Taiwan from China and make them colony of Japan.....Doesn't end very well.....

[@jager3820]

@@jiangnorman he meant that those countries should work together militarily to combat against Chinese expansionism

[@jiangnorman]

@@jager3820 A gang leads by contries that invaded China.....very convincing....China has no reason to worry about that

[@jiangnorman]

@@OttomanSultana Ashamed by facts ?

[@jiangnorman]

@@OttomanSultana Do you ever realize how weak you are even in the game of trolling?

[@andyyang5234]

It also shows why the 1st island containment strategy will fail if Taiwan is taken -- China would then have free access to the Pacific via Taiwanese territorial waters. Taiwan and the Philippines (mainly the Philippines) should really start getting the Bashi strait under control.

[@attackfive8659]

Great video!

[@giovy1922]

This history chapter will be called as “Everyone vs China”

[@sharketm7655]

No USA,UK, Australia, Japan and India against China. But In 19th century it was 11 countries. But in 2050 China will have a GDP of the US, EU and Japan combined.

[@kelthuzad4634]

@@sharketm7655 bruh you really want that 50cents? most foreign manufacturers have already left china and the CCP are actively destroying companies that held up chinas fake economy

[@sharketm7655]

@@kelthuzad4634 Firstly your Iphone is not yet Made in USA or in India nor your anti-covid masks. And in reality the Chinese export to USA has increased since Trade war while US export to China has decreased. Secondly future big markets are not the West but emerging countries like Indonasia, Brasil , Africa and China itself.

[@ariefachmadi5027]

@@sharketm7655 how much xi the pooh paid you?

[@sharketm7655]

@@ariefachmadi5027 No I am just exposing facts and projections.

[@Butter_Warrior99]

US Military: Ok, no aircraft carriers. Japanese Self Defense Force: ;^( A few decades later. US Military: Ok, you can have amphibious carriers, (which are small carriers that can use Vertical Take Off Lift or VTOL aircraft, helicopters, and can deploy amphibious troops and troop carriers.) and maybe aircraft carriers. Japanese Self Defense Force: BANZAI!

[@jonathangair8031]

Thanks for the info. Something/things I did want to know.

[@WeeklyBibleTalk]

Fantastic video. Keep it up!

[@marijanmadunic3046]

From Croatia: Great content! Thank you very much. Please, can you prepare the same analysis for the Adriatic Sea and possible Russian pretensions, through the Serbian influence and provoking the crisis in Montenegro and the aspiration to go to the Mediterranean through the Strait of Otranto? Thank you in advance

[@charlesgonzales6928]

A little disappointed since this is a very informative and high-quality video yet only few people watches it.

[@zr9377]

Give this channel a couple of year, for sure it will booming in the future

[@sergiogarcia6853]

Such a great video, really enjoyed it thanks for creating this amazing content.

[@AmanKumarPadhy]

This is an insanely chill (and chilling video), owing to your narration, and analysis. You have yourself another sub!

[@Kamome163]

Thank you!

[@graceantonio3573]

Thank u🙂 GOD BLESS U😇 this is a great video & the clarity of your explanation is valuable information as well as educational. I am from the Philippines, I apreciate this a lot. So Bashi channel, (or is it Bashi straight?) Is a very valuable area & body of water. I have come across a post months ago re: the idea of Philippines perhaps putting a naval base off the northern tip of Luzon, up in Batanes, & I honestly believed it as a good idea. There was an "expressed" intention that it would be a joint project with Japan or USA. I wish hope pray it pushes through! Its been said that China won't like that. Oh well...😄😃😄 I say go for it! I think it would give a boost to that northern tip as well as for the northern provinces of the Philippine archipelago for some economic progress. Of course my only concern is there could be a downside such as too much commercialism that can redult to corruption & social ills. Oh well...😮

[@dunruden9720]

Strait

[@josevicentejrmeneses8552]

wholeheartedly agree !! maybe Japan could donate their P-3C Orion MPA to the Philippines.

[@Kamome163]

That you for the support! It means so much! There will be a video covering the Bashi channel/strait (I've mostly found channel though) alone in the future! The Philippines can be an important player in the region but they should focus more on building-up their ISR and Military capabilities.

[@martinhall932]

I'm curious whether USA encourages Japan to support Philippines military more actively. Problem with Philippines is they are more interested in using their military against their own people than standing up to Chinese expansionism.

[@necrookun1900]

Well they(AFP) will rather run away and point fingers on others than fixing the organization. Also it got worse right now in terms of defense and hardware procurement so yeah probably it will take another decade or more for them to have the enough tools they need to focus on territorial defense.

[@necrookun1900]

I can see Japan making its move but the problem will always be on the Philippine side. I won't list why but i think everyone here is familiar with this mess which present on each of our governments kekw.

[@Yuu-it1zk]

I love your channel. Please keep making high quality content informative like this!

[@_bruce132]

Great work

[@lagrangewei]

before you even start, you already made a mistake, Japan's largest trading partner is China, not the US. thus it does to even make sense for them to prioritise the pacific.

[@Ymats-dj1nt]

Not just Japan but the ASEAN in general. As far as im concerned they are only 3th largest trading partner in south east asia.

[@Kamome163]

Thanks for the heads up! I'm sorry, I meant saying one of the biggest. However, I don't agree with your second point. They do need to prioritize the Pacific as among other things, the US are Japan biggest export destination.

[@goldman6506]

China is also americans biggest trading partner.

[@lagrangewei]

@@Kamome163 Southeast Asia is the corridor of Asia, it is the center of trade, the pacific is puny in importance compared to that of the inland sea. AUKUS triggered Southeast Asia to view that they will be sideline in US by Australian interest in the same way Korea feel they are sideline in US by Japanese interest. this result in China consolidating it position both in korea and southeast asia. why US would make such a mistake is because the US priorise the pacific. but japan is not the US. Japan does not care what happen in the pacific, because if it had to, it would mean that Japan has already lost Asia and so need to depend on the pacific, the pacific is an inferior trade route to the inland seas of asia, thus it is only a priority if Japan believe the inland seas are lost to it. we can debate if that is true, honestly I do believe they lost, but the point is the japanese don't believe it yet. this video is about what the japanese think no? thus the japanese will still seek priority on the inland sea. to them, the pacific is US problem, I would even argue they are taking a popcorn eating view of it, because they want US to commit more resources. Japan is not stupid. they want the US to pay for the security. or at least, make the US ask them to get involved in exchange for favors. even among allies, national interest is not shared. just ask the french.

[@lagrangewei]

@@Kamome163 [ the US are Japan biggest export destination. ] again that is false, China is the biggest export destination. 140b compare to 110b.

[@_steamfunk_2271]

Japan will take Manchuria back!

[@rodgerhempfing2921]

Very informative.

[@chadcole1502]

I really like your strategic analysis videos, keep at it

[@hiroshitanaka5771]

I respect this video as Japanese. This is very accurate. Without allies, no country can protect itself. We need to continue to work closely with the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and ASEAN. And ironically, China follows the stupid strategy of the Japanese Imperial Army, seeking both land and sea power. Isolation in the world.

[@Kamome163]

Abe set the track for common values and interests based diplomacy, and he largely contributed to the Indo-Pacific rebound of western countries. Let's see who'll be the next LDP leader and s/he'll perform at the next elections.

[@michaelthomas5433]

Funny that I remember everyone being upset about Japan's unfair trade practices and valuation of the Yen, and foreign ownership of America (when the British and Dutch owned more at the time). You know, when it was the non white country ppl were scared about surpassing the USA, and Japan didn't even have a chance of doing that. But the 80's and 90's are too far back to remember I suppose. Ppl were upset and wound up about it and Japan was a very close ally then as now, but I guess so long as they seem like a junior partner it's all good. Also call me when they at least have an aircraft carrier that displaces 45,000 tons.

[@Kamome163]

That's a great comment. It seems like the Japan bashing movement and western countries boycotting of the Yen are buried really deep down history books. I mostly agree with you on Japan being a “junior partner”. In my opinion, Abe's leadership was somewhat a watershed in that regard. He tried to impose a some sort of independence in Japan's foreign policy formulation. FOIP and QUAD are two cases in point. Abe knew the US and worked there after finishing college, and had extensive experience there. Aircraft carrier apart (which who knows, it might happen in a few decades) I couldn't really imagine the US offering nuclear technology for Japanese subs. Soryu class are great, especially for littoral and coastal environments, not for ocean going fleets.

[@keithjames9423]

Very informative video.

[@Real_Iron_Smith]

Very informative!

[@akatsukiwolf2735]

Japan's Maritime strategy is good, almost perfect even in their Southern island chain. However, Taiwan and the Philippines doesn't have reliable Naval Forces to conduct the same maritime strategy. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is focused on defending the Taiwan airspace using 4th generation interceptors and the main island from invasion via underground military bases. The Philippines' President Duterte has just begun modernizing the military after decades of neglect and corruption by the Liberal Party and Narco-Politicians. It will take Taiwan and the Philippines 10 to 20 more years before they can contribute to Japan's overall Western Pacific defense. The PRC is just using their military build-up as a diversion tactic to boost their economy.

[@Emilechen]

Japan does not need its own strategy, just need to follow US order,

[@anelnunez126]

Duterte is a chinese agent...ha.ha

[@Gnostic88]

They better have a good one. Cause if my anime starts becoming CCP propaganda ima be pissed.

[@thecakeisalie6392]

I love this format, please bring more videos like this one

[@matthewparsons3326]

Excellent work 👏

[@hgbugalou]

The US is responsible for the Japan constitution and it's limits on military power. It was appropriate for the the time. I feel it is now obsolete. I know many Japanese people still support the anti war/military narrative but personally I think its time Japan is unshackled and allowed to build to full potential with the rise of China. Japan is one of the the US and other western democracies allies and have been a loyal ally for decades. More over the bravery and ferocity of their soldiers is second to none.

[@kelthuzad4634]

japan is one of the few countries where the politicans cant force the people to what they want. unlike a certain burning turd......

[@jonduong8331]

Then change the article IX in Japan's constitution then, what's Japan waiting for ? Years after years , the JSDF keep saying we got this aircrafts, we got this ships... But the USFJ still have 55000 troops occupied Japan from Okinawa to Hokkaido + the US 7th Fleet is also "Circling" Japan 24/7. The US have troops in Japan more than any other country in the world.

[@lvjinbin28]

you will see unchained China!

[@costanick]

Very well made, can't have enough of these kind of topics. I eagerly await more. Bedhu

[@WhatWeDoChannel]

That was very informative.

[@unreliablenarrator6649]

Short Version : "US Military". Japan hosts the greatest number of US bases in Asia by far for reasons. To paraphrase Anthony Blinken "Once the USA visits your house, it's difficult to get them to leave". USA has sheltered Japan from ever facing the consequences of its colonization of East Asia and the related war crimes, so there is no trust between Japan and China or Korea, and its old foe Russia. Japan by itself can never resist China's expanding influence in East Asia. Despite their effort to re-write history at home and in the West, they know the bad blood with Korea and China runs deep and they can only hide behind the shield of there US Military. Chinese PLA Air Force make the ship blockades useless. In a shooting war, Japan cannot stand on its own feet, it is trapped as a permanent US Military client state. Any discussion of the subject without this as a core principle is simply ridiculous. Ask and Japanese, Korean or Chinese person and the honest answer aligns with the above. Western people do not generally understand this. East Asians do, it is our history.

[@SiRasputin]

This comment is so on point. What happens when the Japanese figure that they may as well get along with China and continue lucrative trade with them? The American strategy in East Asia will be in tatters at that moment. The countries in the region are not dumb. They know that China will soon become the undisputed number 1 economy in the world. What's thr point in fighting China? Furthermore, when China is the largest economy in the world, what will also be apparent is that the US won't be able to defend Japan

[@jaec5680]

"Don’t be fooled by the title “Self-Defense Forces” that Japan’s military presently uses. Japan has one of the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world. They are building their own tanks, aircraft, and warships. Granted, a lot of the technology originated in the USA, but they have made a lot of improvements on that tech. Also most weapon systems that are called “defensive” can also be used offensively. Now Japan’s army is geared more to the defense of the Japanese home islands, but the Japanese Air Force and especially the Japanese Navy have plenty of offensive power. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is one of the top ten navies in world and and has been going through a huge expansion in recent years. The PLA Navy has more ships, but ship for ship Japan’s are better. Also Japan is starting to build up their own “marine corps” with the assistance of the USMC. A wise decision when you live on a group of islands." Rick Swisher

[@jonduong8331]

Yes, with 55000 US troops inside Japan, from all branches of US force, Army,Navy,Airforce, Marine & Coast Guard. Without the US protection Japan just a little 🐶!

[@zuluwhiskey9049]

plz, plz be offensive. China is eager for revenge

[@jonduong8331]

Did Japan talks to the Russia regarding to the 4 Kuril Islands yet?

[@jaec5680]

@@zuluwhiskey9049 what revenge??? u must be hallucinating... pls sponsor urself, show ur gutso... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaG5mHedgNWEiZo

[@tristanbackup2536]

A good defense is a good offenses.

[@pedrogonzalesgonzales5097]

Well done

[@chrisbullard8038]

Loving your videos, keep up the great work!

[@AntAntL]

The first island chain strstegy is worse for China. From a strategic standpoint, Japan has it easy compared to China. In a long term war, or long term trade war....the smart money is on the US and Japan.

[@shojiogasavara5942]

It is important to Japan to cooperate with the US in the Pacific Rim.

[@buddhablue21]

Great content and really good presentation!

[@user-cn5om5vg8j]

Very nice video, I would like to see more like this about this region of the world.

[@robbabcock_]

Relying on the USA as an ally could be a risky move. If someone like One-Pump Trump is elected again then the world will find America to be a pretty erratic and unreliable security partner.

[@Kamome163]

That's a good point. US president have a big influence on how America's foreign policy is implemented, and wavering commitment to the allies in the region could be perceived by US's regional competitors as a sign of weakness.

[@goldman6506]

Trump had balls.Unlike our dementia ridden puppet president rn. Dude needs to be booted lol.