S'pore, Japan need to cooperate on security matters: PM Abe

last SG · 2007-03-20T15:27:11+00:00

i think we need to review the history of china. Just because the Communist party is not in control doesn't mean that China is gone. That is a big different...

LazerLordz SG

S'pore, Japan need to cooperate on security matters: PM Abe

By Channel NewsAsia's Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida | Posted: 16 March 2007 2015 hrs

TOKYO : Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said Singapore and Japan need to cooperate on security matters because it is very important for the stability of the region.

He was speaking in an interview with Channel NewsAsia, ahead of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to Tokyo later this week.

Mr Abe also said Japan wants to further improve its relationship with Singapore.

He said, "Japan and Singapore relations are very good today. Japan and Singapore share freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and immutable values. Japan wants to further improve ties with Singapore as a trustful partner.

"When Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visits Japan, we intend to sign a revised economic partnership agreement. With this, I look forward to further developing ties in various areas... economics and politics." - CNA/ms

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/264466/1/.html

Australia recently signed a security cooperation pact with Japan. I wonder if we could be next.. this would be something sensitive, but perhaps it is progressive in nature to our own interests.

Slipshade SG

If it’s anything to do with China, I think we should just butt out of it. But it just might not happen, since the government loves to suck up to US (who’s really wary of China’s growing power) and likes to stick its nose into other countries’ businesses.

LazerLordz SG

Well, as much as we would like to remain neutral, it's a fantasy that will never happen.

We don't have the political strength in the world to stay neutral. In the end, we would have to walk behind a larger mountain. We operate on a hedging system. We engage, and we counter engage to hedge against any potential flashpoint. I believe our current closeness with the United States and China is a balancing game to ensure that our own interests are equally met.

Slipshade SG

Yes I do understand that, but sometimes the servant-like manner the government behaves is unacceptable, especially when it's unasked for. @[email protected]

qooorange SG

dangerous move. must not go into security pact with japan. don’t forget ww2.

Slipshade SG

I don't think the gahmen really care about the WWII thing lah.

hiphop2009 SG

hohoho....we only see money, nt history Twisted Evil

qpicanto SG

del

will4 SG

I rememeber when US invaded Iraq despite no evidence nucleear weapon, Spore still support the invasion.

OO_OO_OO SG

why? lky worked for the japs during ww2 didnt he?

LazerLordz SG

It's called coming full circle.

We and Australia bore the brunt of Imperial Japanese savagery. Now they need us more than we need them. I call it sweet irony.

I would consider ourselves and the Aussies the only levelheaded voices in this region, not ruled by silly emotions and military leaders who love to say things to the press, often different things each day.

Unspoken it might be, but the realists perceive that the real security element here comes from our two nations.

LazerLordz SG

It might not be an ethical move, but we do have our interests in the Middle East as well. Most people aren't really aware of this, but we are still in the American coalition umbrella, just that it is unspoken.

Right now, better them than anyone else.

the.prata SG

Japan has already paid us "blood money". Let's not get dragged back by history, but rather work together yet remaining vigilant for any militaristic rise by ANY other country.

You know jolly well which country I'm talking about brudders..

reyes SG

we should be careful. avoid miliary exercise with Japan.
not to forget we already has military ties with taiwan.
to maintain a good relationship with china, we ought to think about their feeling, we should not cross the line too many times.
maintaining status quos with japan might not be a bad things afterall why change it

LazerLordz SG

We have to ensure we do not pay too much respect to China too.

sgdiehard SG

We will forgive the Japanese if the people truely repent for the atrocities committed during WW2. We will respect them if they know how to say sorry the way the German did for the crime they committed. History will be remain history when the new government dismantle the mechanism and erase the spirit that started the war.

The blood of Singaporean cannot be paid with money. Evil or Very Mad

If we want to be vigilant, then we should be vigilant against ALL militaristic rise, especially countries that invaded their neighbours, and Japan is one of them. History tells us that going to bed with them did not help, the US and Japan were in bed until Pearl Harbour was attacked, the Russian and the German were in bed until operation Barbarossa. Mr. Green If we don't learn from history, history will brag us. Smile

justcooler SG

Is this part of the deal with uncle sam... for getting the 15s.

cooperation with Japan especially on military is indirectly telling china I am opposing you..

there will be some interesting development and reactions from china in the near future

qpicanto SG

Should we kowtow to US ?

LazerLordz SG

balance of power. Cool we should maintain close ties with all parties.

will4 SG

China is a growing superpower n Spore can sent troops to train in China.
Chinese navy can also help to patrol Malacca Straits along with Spore navy.