[Strategerist]

I agree. I think this is the opening some Japanese want, to push for once again having a real military and changes to their constitution, rather than just having a token self-defense force.

I hate to be a broken record but boy people have to educate themselves better.

The Japanese Naval Self Defense force is enormous, well armed, and very well trained. Arguably the second most powerful Navy in the world- hardly a "token."

[roadcat]

I did say they are a formidable self-defense force. Saying “token” was sarcasm.

[datura]

Exactly. The PLAN is relatively new and extremely inexperienced. Just building a bunch of ships doesn’t mean that their crews know anything about naval combat.

The Chinese have never been a naval power in history - NEVER. Japan has ALWAYS had excellent navies. (Being an island tends to do that.)

I would expect the Japanese to teach the Chinese a naval lesson that they would never forget.

Hell, the Chicoms can’t even take Taiwan. Good luck with Japan.

[Red Steel]

Yes, it’s sizable.

Global Security.org

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/jmsdf-orbat.htm

They made their anti-sub warfare capability after WW2 very robust by the 1960s and 70s, but I haven’t looked lately.

[Army Air Corps]

Your are quite correct in stating that the JMSDF is a formidable naval force. The JASDF and JGDF are no slouches either.

[tumblindice]

"The Japanese Naval Self Defense force is enormous, well armed, and very well trained." And their giant robots are armed with the `Flying Fist of Death'. I'm going to have to go with Japan. Seriously I hope they work it out. Mark Steyn talked about just such an event in `After America' as this triggering China calling in its markers and boy, won't we look dumb: "The check? You're handing us a .. bill? W-w-wait a second, this wasn't supposed to happen! We're no longer the world's currency reserve? We can't print cash anymore like party favors? Whoa!"