Japan declines to comment on Macron's objection to NATO's Tokyo office

No time to shilly-shally. The CCP is a menace.

Good. Macron will reverse himself as soon as he goes back and talks to serious leaders.

Never rely on the French, they’ll bite the hand that feeds them. Basically, they always let their friends down.

I don't know why it still surprises me when posters here are genuflecting to NATO and WW3. What I'd really like to know is when is NATO opening an office on the Moon?

invalid CSRF

Macron will do or say anything China wants him to.

France is not decoupling from a country that now has 30% of the world's industrial capacity and has no interest in being drawn into a foreign war.

Japan needs to follow the excellent example that France is providing.

NATO liaison office in Tokyo, only saying that "various considerations" are taking place inside the trans-Atlantic alliance.

He's right, "trans-Atlantic" does mean all the way across the Pacific, or across Eurasia either.

Japan is just trying to make itself appear "involved", while they should be focusing on things closer to home, and AT home instead!

Clean up your own house before you start looking to get involved in someone else's business!

Just like the PGA has been bought and paid for by the Saudis, Mr. Macron is owned by the Chinese. How in any way is opening a liaison office in Tokyo going to complicate matters regarding Russia Ukraine and China?

Strange discussion, as it’s only an office. All countries, international organizations or NPO have embassies and offices anywhere beyond their original or own geographical location. Does he, according to own logic, now also oppose an own embassy here, because it’s far away from France or too near to China and although there’s one even directly in China? Of course not.

If it pisses off China and France, it's probably good

As I've been surmising, the remote cause of today's Ukrainian crisis was seeded in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed, which the West, NATO, made the most use of and expanded its sphere of influence broadly eastwards.

Japan declines to comment

Japan need to learn the actual thing of international politics, there are plenty of interest out there.

NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Not WPTO = West Pacific Treaty Organization.

Get it?

Unanimous vote? China should be able to find a country with an outstretched hand. If it's not France, then likely Hungary. And the world will be better for it.

Macron will do or say anything China wants him to.

Unfortunately, this is true. Macron is pathetic when it comes to China

He also said Japan "should make the right call in keeping with the region's stability and development interests and refrain from doing anything that may undermine mutual trust between regional countries and peace and stability in the region."

Right. China has already done that. France. Seems you need to squirm back to your land of riots.

We all know Macron has been 'got to' by our double-speaking, pockets-filled, ear-whispering CCP friends who only of course seek peace, prosperity and the brotherhood of mankind united once and for all....

Macron and TrueDough will go down in history as the leaders that weren't.

Last time I checked, Japan is nowhere near the north Atlantic. What on earth are they doing trying to join this organization?!

@FizzBitToday  07:13 am JST

I don't know why it still surprises me when posters here are genuflecting to NATO and WW3. What I'd really like to know is when is NATO opening an office on the Moon?

Maybe as part of Artemis. Also maybe it is time to stop insulting the west as a bunch of has beens.

Well said Mister Macron...

A NATO presence in Asia brings us closer to third World War..

They don't have enough with the Atlantic, now they want the Pacific and the Indian..

What a dangerous warmongering organization..

deanzaZZRToday  08:03 am JST

Unanimous vote? China should be able to find a country with an outstretched hand. If it's not France, then likely Hungary. And the world will be better for it.

Hungary ain't going to be part of NATO much longer if it doesn't fall in line. And China burnt all of its goodwill with its support for Russia I imagine.

They don't have enough with the Atlantic, now they want the Pacific and the Indian..

It's almost as if no one owns the oceans. It's almost as if Russia spans two continents.

voiceofokinawaToday  07:53 am JST

As I've been surmising, the remote cause of today's Ukrainian crisis was seeded in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed, which the West, NATO, made the most use of and expanded its sphere of influence broadly eastwards.

Don't act like a bully and countries won't flee you in terror.

TaiwanIsNotChinaToday  08:37 am JST

Maybe as part of Artemis. Also maybe it is time to stop insulting the west as a bunch of has beens.

I guess you're too young to remember how "the west" perpetrated the 2nd biggest lie of the 20th century by convincing so called leaders and citizens, through the corporate MSM, the Big Lie of weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. Never forget, they are not to be trusted until they show real actions of de-warmongering. Opening a NATO office in Japan is the wrong direction. See ya later at the Dollar Store emmm kay?

I totally agree with France here,what does a pacific country have to do with an Atlantic alliance?

Japan wants to be involved in things that is not part of.

Right or wrong doesn’t matter. Only power matters.

Japan dont need any NATO office.

All of us are paying a lot of money to USA for nuclear umbrella protection.

So Japan dont need any NATO as long as is protected by USA.

Stephen ChinToday  07:55 am JST

NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Not WPTO = West Pacific Treaty Organization.

Get it?

It's a proposed liaison office. Look up the word "liaison" and then you might get it.

Last time I checked, Japan is nowhere near the north Atlantic. What on earth are they doing trying to join this organization?!

I totally agree with France here, what does a pacific country have to do with an Atlantic alliance?Japan wants to be involved in things that is not part of.

Then why should Japan care about Ukraine?

Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, view the narcissistic, egotistical Macron naivety, cowardly appeasement as there useful idiot.

Proof enough was Macron flawed lunacy of his brokered Minsk Agreements.

Macrons insistence that only his Minsk settlements is the only way to stop the war in Ukraine and halt Russia's ongoing military build up, ended up contributing to the prolonged war, invasion, the atrocities the people of Ukraine are enduring, suffering today.

Now Macron is cowering to the Government of China.

Totally untrustworthy fool

If America left NATO, European will thrown too the wolves,lots of Foreigners think American care,they do not care about foreigner survival , Mexican by living near the US are under American shield by default

Well said Mister Macron...

A NATO presence in Asia brings us closer to third World War..

They don't have enough with the Atlantic, now they want the Pacific and the Indian..

What a dangerous warmongering organization..

You are spot on. Macron is right. He can speak the truth because France being a nuclear power can have a certain freedom towards the US.

The Government of China is without any doubt the provocateur,, the instigator, the dictatorship that built fortified islands, able to house advanced air and missile systems to control the entire South China Sea.

Also the constant threat to invade Taiwan to control the Taiwan Strait. These are are undisputed major global shipping lanes.

Time could have run out.

The Government of China could sooner rather than later seize control by intimidation/force.

YubaruToday  07:33 am JST

Japan is just trying to make itself appear "involved", while they should be focusing on things closer to home, and AT home instead!

Japan isn't doing anything. It's entirely a NATO decision to open an office in Japan or not. That's why they have no comment on Macron's statement.

I dont like Macrom but i agree with his position. NATO in Japan is clearly going to aggitate China. We already have US bases all over Japan and Korea, why do we need NATO.

Apparently money is more important than human rights or threats of military action. China is far away from France and Macron’s priorities are clear for the world to see. Only China is smiling.

France is more a Pacific Power than any other NATO member not named the United States. OK, we'll be kind and include Canada in here too.

You are spot on. Macron is right. He can speak the truth because France being a nuclear power can have a certain freedom towards the US.

France has always been able to speak its mind, nuclear or not. They even left NATO for a time.

NATO has no business in Asia.

All Asian countries threatened by China should form their own alliance along with the US and Australia. Something that is already a work in progress.

I guess you're too young to remember how "the west" perpetrated the 2nd biggest lie of the 20th century by convincing so called leaders and citizens, through the corporate MSM, the Big Lie of weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. Never forget, they are not to be trusted until they show real actions of de-warmongering. Opening a NATO office in Japan is the wrong direction. See ya later at the Dollar Store emmm kay?

I'm not so old that I don't understand that Russia made an equally obscene lie (the biggest of the 21st century) and invaded Ukraine. Never forget, Russia is not to be trusted until they show real actions of de-warmongering.

All Asian countries threatened by China should form their own alliance along with the US and Australia. Something that is already a work in progress.

Said countries can easily get over their hangups around NATO and form a more efficient alliance with NATO. It doesn't really matter as I assume Japan and Australia use all NATO standards anyways.

If France is more of a pacific power, why does Macron act like a puppy dog around Xi. It’s like another version of Trump kissing Putin’s behind.

Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin cannot be appeased into the belief that such actions will cease there hostile intent.

Such action, naivety, will not delay the inevitable but encourages further intimidation.

Have we not learned at all, the lives lost, the destruction of two world wars, that placation, conciliation, to grovel when in front of a bully is to forfeit the courage to stand firm.

Instead to breed contempt for such actions.

France is a Pacific power because of its colonial possessions, just like the USA.

Wherever USA goes, there is war.

Look at middle east, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan and anywhere USA has confrontational policies.

Whay is Japan inviting a war monger USA to Asia and beware what you ask for as there will never be peace in the Asian waters and countries.

Japan clear your head and not get over your head. No Nato office in Asia.

Well, if you have forgotten about Tibet, the treatment of the Uyghurs, Hong Kong and the daily threats and intimidation against Taiwan, etc., then you can do whatever you like because it doesn't really matter to you anyway. It is funny, however, that France is very excited about Russia's violent invasion of Ukraine, yet Macron has basically given Xi a green light to invade Taiwan. It seems rather hypocritical.

Macron foresees France as being the only NATO country allowed to sail the Taiwan straits where 60% of the world’s shipping currently pass through.

There are probably other leaders of member nations who feel the same but only macron has the balls to speak out loud

@What ol' Jack Burton always saysToday 01:21 pm JST

So far China hasn't attempted in stopping any trade passing through the Taiwan straight

So far. The US needs to keep up the freedom of navigation exercises to make sure it continues.

No ! Realistically if the USA and allies don't stop aggravating the China vs Taiwan situation then passage through the Taiwan straight will be forced to stop .

Interrupting trade is an act of war with Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. And the US will rightly see it as an attempt to change the status quo by force. China had better realize these red lines are not to be messed with.

The U.S wants to stop the rise of other nations by attacking their livelihoods.

No one's livelihood has been impacted and it will remain that way as long as China doesn't start a war.

Macron's now at 71% Unfavorable, 23% Favorable, with just 6% undecided. Huge anti-war movement in his country, like rest of Europe. People fear escalation, & do not support NATO expansion in Ukraine or elsewhere.

Macron's clearly see political reality and fight for survival.

Macron is a terrible leader, but he does have a point here, for several obvious reasons:

-Japan is not a NATO country.

-Japan is in the Pacific, not in the North Atlantic.

-If a NATO country is ever attacked, Japan is not obligated to support them militarily.

-If Japan is ever attacked, all of NATO is not obligated to support them militarily (only the US).

-NATO doesn't really need to "liaison" with Japan, because again, that's what the US and its countless entities in Japan already exist to do.

Like I get Japan just wants more involvement in global affairs, but this doesn't really make much sense.

Macron's also currying favor with the Chinese and BRICS with the exception of Russia. BRICS now set to rapidly expand within Muslim Majority, Global South and Central Asian countries especially.

BRICS Membership based upon stability partnership model. OPPOSITE of US led G-7 & NATO destabilization.

Macron wants to good relations with China and BRICS, especially economic activity. Expansion of NATO surest way for France to damage relations with China & BRICS.

@ClayToday 03:16 pm JST

Macron's also currying favor with the Chinese and BRICS with the exception of Russia. BRICS now set to rapidly expand within Muslim Majority, Global South and Central Asian countries especially.

We wills see when the ink is dry on that. BRICS people love their acronyms more than the LGBTQ crowd apparently.

A NATO office in Tokyo is not a bad idea, good for Me.Kishida crying for help in emergency, that's all : Two minutes of desperate cries!

NATO is turning into a uncontrollable unelected Monster.

Even if you fear China and Russia think hard about that much power in the hands of a global unelected group, talk of adding more like Azerbaijan, Georgia, etc...will only cause others to join China and Russia and soon in a military Alliance, then what, WW3?

Remember the last 2 world war wasn't caused by China, Russia but by western European countries and Japan and which group is continually trying to expand?

NATO!

NATO's proposed Tokyo office function at present appears more symbolic. The so called liaison office ultimate aim agenda is still under discussion.

However such a proposal is a indication as to how the present and future global geopolitical balance has dramatically changed.

I'm not so old that I don't understand that Russia made an equally obscene lie (the biggest of the 21st century) and invaded Ukraine

What lie?

AntiquesavingToday 04:44 pm JST

NATO is turning into a uncontrollable unelected Monster.

Better than the unelected monster that is the CCP. At least NATO represents the democratic will of its members.

Even if you fear China and Russia think hard about that much power in the hands of a global unelected group, talk of adding more like Azerbaijan, Georgia, etc...will only cause others to join China and Russia and soon in a military Alliance, then what, WW3?

The US is a pole and it isn't going anywhere. I'm sorry that frustrates you. Russia had a chance to woo Western Europe and it sent that up in smoke with its tank columns last February.

Remember the last 2 world war wasn't caused by China, Russia but by western European countries and Japan and which group is continually trying to expand?

I remember they were caused by expansionist empires that should have ended with WW1. Why haven't the Russian and Chinese empires ended?

TaiwanIsNotChina

Today 05:09 pm JST

I remember they were caused by expansionist empires that should have ended with WW1. Why haven't the Russian and Chinese empires ended?

I noticed you have a very selective memory.

And what replaced the Russian Empire and Chinese empire?

Oh right, the USSR and CCP did you forget that part?

So we ended up worse off.

As for America, it has been responsible for more wars in the 20th century than any other country, more coup d'etat, more dictators and military juntas taking power.

This false idea that America backs democracies is just that false.

The only thing the USA care about is its power and if backing a pro USA dictator is good for the USA that is what it will do.

That was why it supported Batista in Cuba, Pinochet in Peru, Chiang Kai‐shek in Taiwan, supporting the military juntas in Argentina and South Korea, etc..

And NATO is just another tool to exploit by the USA.

Remember the 2% for the military the members need to spend will mostly end up in USA companies as "NATO" standards more often than not mean USA products.

Oh right, the USSR and CCP did you forget that part?

Yeah, empires led by tiny men.

The only thing the USA care about is its power and if backing a pro USA dictator is good for the USA that is what it will do.

I think your upcoming summit of dictators in South Africa puts this to the lie.

That was why it supported Batista in Cuba, Pinochet in Peru, Chiang Kai‐shek in Taiwan, supporting the military juntas in Argentina and South Korea, etc..

Most of those countries are doing just fine now, no thanks to Russia and China.

Remember the 2% for the military the members need to spend will mostly end up in USA companies as "NATO" standards more often than not mean USA products.

They still get the products. Can't argue with quality.

TaiwanIsNotChina

Today 05:25 pm JST

Yeah, empires led by tiny men.

Those "tiny" men you point to control and controlled hundreds of millions of people, oppressed hundreds of millions all because the West couldn't stop causing problems and fighting.

Eastern Europe falling under Stalin was a direct consequence of western powers fighting and failing to maintain their own peace and for selling out their allies like Poland.

CCP is what it is today because the USA decided it by selling out the Republic of China and shifting to the CCP giving the CCP the seat on the security Council and sending all manufacturing there.

Only now that the USA can no longer control the situation and it is CCP making the money has the USA suddenly become concerned.

Most of those countries are doing just fine now, no thanks to Russia and China.

Was that before or after the massacres, the death squads, disappearances, etc..

Was it before or after the USA found cheaper places to go to get products like copper (where they again support dictators and military)

Wow you really manipulate facts and history, don't you?

The sheer volume of US defence spending, some 66% of the entire defence spending of the NATO alliance must have an influence and agenda.

However, the common notion of shared interests is another matter altogether.

Think the next US Presidential Election.

Dependent on the ideology of either Republican or Democrat foreign/defence polices.

No guarantees here

The advancement of both American and European interests, the U.S. security guarantee for its NATO allies has to be taken at its face value, both present and future political leverage, especially in the areas of advanced military technological developments.

The purpose of this proposed liaison office, could well develop these roles

Remember the last 2 world war wasn't caused by China, Russia but by western European countries and Japan and which group is continually trying to expand?

NATO!

Yes, why China so busy with BRICS Country Membership Recruitment Drive, People of World TIRED of constant US & US led NATO led Destabilization in all its forms.

Macron's correctly reading Global 'Tea Leaves', not only France's anti-war anti-NATO expansion, but also World BUSY seeking Stability & Partnership = Multi Polar/BRICS

@What ol' Jack Burton always says - last time I was taught geography - admittedly many years ago - it was not called the Eurasian continent. Europe and Asia are separate continents and quite separate geopolitical entities. They were back then, they are now. Call Eurasia a region, instead, then I might take you seriously. Ever play the game 'Risk'?

Proposed NATO liaison office could destroy Japan's ability to engage constructively with China led BRICS, now pursuing major Country Membership expansion Due to Endless US led NATO military destabilization across Africa, Mideast & Western Asia & Europe recent decades.

Macron realizes NATO has become unhinged, far from its original defensive alliance mission statement and has earned Toxic Global Reputation, especially now due to Ukraine proxy war, including inside France as well.

Why should Japan comment? It's nothing to do with Japan. Ask Biden. It was his idea!

27minus 1 country, well the shaping for millennium plus, and now just now we are on a curve that goes nuts.

"Japan should be asked to join NATO. Then we would have the beginnings of an architecture for a new world order. It is based on the United States as the remaining superpower and on open society as the organizing principle. It consists of a series of alliances, the most important of which is NATO and, through NATO, the Partnership for Peace which girds the Northern Hemisphere. 

-George Soros, 1993" 

So this nonsense is over? Along with the fetid carcass of the American Empire and the old new world order?

There is no need for collective defense. If Japan goes to war I don't blame whoever they go to war with, I blame the government for failing to negotiate a diplomatic solution prior to the necessitation of violence. 

Perhaps a lesson that Ukraine could learn from?

The LDP made the claim that Japan extending the invitation for Brazil and India to attend the G7 meetings was enough to bridge the BRICS economic block. 

Clearly, it's in the interest of Japan to participate in projects with China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation nations rather than take an antagonistic stance with 75% of the world's population and 60% of the GDP... because that's how the lines are drawn.

While being mindful of the influence that China can buy with their money, Japan can continue to keep the lines of communication open and use their alliance with Korea as the cornerstone for keeping peace in the region. The Koreans didn't appreciate Pelosi's destabilizing visit and I don't think their tiny $200 million donation to Ukraine is because they are cheap. The Koreans weren't too pleased about being spied on by the Americans either. 

So it looks like the Rothschild envoy Macron was serious about capitulating control over the region in April. A public sign that Japan is no longer under the Western bankers thumb and now free to progress forward with peace and prosperity rather than be brought into a pointless conflict with their friends and neighbours.

@AntiquesavingJune 7 05:41 pm JST

Eastern Europe falling under Stalin was a direct consequence of western powers fighting and failing to maintain their own peace and for selling out their allies like Poland.

Sorry, you don't get to invade someone like the USSR did and then cry "see, you weren't paying enough attention to stop me from doing this."

CCP is what it is today because the USA decided it by selling out the Republic of China and shifting to the CCP giving the CCP the seat on the security Council and sending all manufacturing there.

Uh what? The CCP is what it is today because Moscow funded its takeover of the mainland. It has nothing to do with the Security Council or manufacturing some 20 years later or more.

Only now that the USA can no longer control the situation and it is CCP making the money has the USA suddenly become concerned.

No. Now that we have seen it correct its backwardness economically while doing nothing about its politics we are concerned. It wasn't crazy to hope they would change both and for a time they did.

Most of those countries are doing just fine now, no thanks to Russia and China.

Was that before or after the massacres, the death squads, disappearances, etc..

After. Doesn't really matter, the US chose the right sides in those countries.

Wow you really manipulate facts and history, don't you?

Project much? I think you'd have to have at least one credible statement before trying to make fun of other's veracity.

Clearly, it's in the interest of Japan to participate in projects with China and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation nations rather than take an antagonistic stance with 75% of the world's population and 60% of the GDP... because that's how the lines are drawn.

No. It is 42% of the worlds population and 33% of global GDP. You don't get to make stuff up around here. The OECD is a larger share of GDP (43%) and more unified on issues, btw.

What ol' Jack Burton always saysJune 7 11:19 pm JST

You mean like USA imposing sanctions and tariffs and stealing money and property ?

The UNSC imposed sanctions on North Korea and Iran and the US will enforce them no matter which nation is trying to circumvent those sanctions or our sanctions with front companies And tariffs are not an act of war lol.

Besides China is drawing the lines in the sand NOT the almighty USA

Sorry, China isn't moving any red lines for the countries in the region without paying the price in blood and treasure.

Macron

China’s puppet.

France, always the wimp.

Due to domestic political pressure, 71% Unfavorable, Macron could be ONE to bring everyone to Peace Table.

Believe this Anti-NATO expansion view Macron's taking to be very hopeful sign for those of us who prefer pathway to Ukraine peace & stability, NOT Escalation.

Hence the terms used - ie trade war . digital war, religious war... etc etc etc ...

Yeah only war war tends to kill people and potentially result in a nuclear exchange.

But how can this be?

Close to three-quarters of Europeans — 74 percent — think the Continent should cut its military dependence on the U.S. and invest in its own defensive capabilities, a new report released Wednesday by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) shows.

The report, based on a poll with 16,168 respondents from 11 countries, also shows that majorities in every surveyed country want Europe to remain neutral in any conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan — in line with recent statements from French President Emmanuel Macron on the topic.

https://www.politico.eu/article/74-percent-of-europeans-agree-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-on-china-us-defense-report-shows/

@deanzaZZRToday 01:02 pm JST

Close to three-quarters of Europeans — 74 percent — think the Continent should cut its military dependence on the U.S. and invest in its own defensive capabilities, a new report released Wednesday by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) shows.

Yeah, should... Even the US wants this so the Europe starts pulling its own weight for a change.

The report, based on a poll with 16,168 respondents from 11 countries, also shows that majorities in every surveyed country want Europe to remain neutral in any conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan — in line with recent statements from French President Emmanuel Macron on the topic.

https://www.politico.eu/article/74-percent-of-europeans-agree-with-french-president-emmanuel-macron-on-china-us-defense-report-shows/

It's understandable. Europe has no legal requirement to defend anyone in Asia except for France's tiny colonies. Fortunately the US is the indispensable country and hatred of China here runs deep. Your link also says:

However, the report shows that if Beijing decided to deliver ammunition and weapons to Russia, more Europeans than not (41 percent vs. 33 percent) would be ready to sanction China, even if that meant seriously damaging their own economies.

Respondents were also opposed to the prospect of Chinese ownership of key European infrastructure, such as bridges or ports (65 percent), tech companies (52 percent) and owning a newspaper in their country (58 percent).

France is a member of NATO but not a precipitant in any military exercises, don't forget President Bush called them, "Cheese eating surrender monkey's", they always try to protect their own country by doing their invaders bidding.

A NATO office in Japan will enable the Japanese to have an oversight on how it works for mutual protection.

Wow...

95 comments about: Japan declines to comment on Macron's objection to NATO's Tokyo office

What Macron means is that if Russia attacks France Macron does not need Japan sticking its nose into the melee. And likewise if China attacks Japan France will layoff because it is still licking its wounds from Dienbienphu.

I think Japan may be wanting NATO head office to be stationed there because of security reasons from the attacks from North Korea and China?

Macron the CCP ass-kissing moron! Macron is too pro Chinese, I wander if they got something on him a kompromat?

France is Core Europa, means 27 opinions historically allianced now, no single country has that expertise in shaping history.

Other recent leaders just bubbling or fraying the now global opportunities.

Remember when we used to talk about interfering with domestic affairs in other countries?