Japan’s plan to retrofit its 27,000-ton Izumo–class helicopter destroyers into aircraft carriers has Beijing worried. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the move could in effect change the warships’ use from self-defense to military expansion, rather than a simple boost to their combat capabilities.
The ministry also warned that if Tokyo was bent on military buildup, it could risk putting the recent thaw in relations between the two nations back on ice.
“Making an aggressive move like this may drive the country to repeat its militaristic history,” the nationalist Global Times also warned in its report. Ties between China and Japan had been restored after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Beijing in October.
The 248-meter Izumo–class helicopter destroyers are now the largest surface combatants of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force since World War II, bearing a strong resemblance to conventional aircraft carriers.
Its lead ship was launched at Yokohama in 2013 with stated key missions including anti-submarine warfare and border-area surveillance as well as the swift deployment of troops and materials for disaster relief.
Two of the vessels – the Izumo and Kaga – have already been in service with two under construction and two planned.
Destroyers of this class can carry a crew of 970 and a maximum of 28 helicopters with armaments including the Raytheon-made Phalanx close-in weapons system against anti-ship missiles and helicopters.
Japan will write the plan into its latest National Defense Program Guidelines at the end of the year, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced at a press conference on Tuesday. The newly installed defense chief also said the retrofitted carriers would carry US-made F-35B stealth fighter jets capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings.
Japan will order 100 more F-35 fighter jets, including both the F-35A and the F-35B, from Lockheed Martin.
Under the war-renouncing Article 9 of its pacifist constitution, Japan cannot possess attack aircraft carriers, as it is only allowed to use force for self-defense.
Japanese military sources confirmed that the possibility of operating fixed-wing aircraft was incorporated into the design of the ships from the earliest stages of the Izumo program. The aircraft elevators and the deck paint were designed to handle aircraft like the F-35B, and it would be possible to add a ski-jump to the flight deck for the fighters’ operations.
Jane Du Buddy stop wasting your time with this keyboard soldiers, they are trained to tap the keyboard . Like I said, you will never see them show up at Warfield if something happens.
Jane Du Buddy stop wasting your time with this keyboard soldiers, they are trained to tap the keyboard . Like I said, you will never see them show up at Warfield if something happens.
Yashad Rizvi nothing but personal attack. Ugly as hell.
Yashad Rizvi nothing but personal attack. Ugly as hell.
Jane Du Agree with Yashad Rizvi that your English is rubbish. I am now thinking that your one of the PLAN agents as you seems to have a fair technical knowledge of armaments. But, I would say that you don’t know US wespons that are still classified. No point in discussing more with you. Or, are you also a member of the LBGT group, since your identity is undefined.
Jane Du Agree with Yashad Rizvi that your English is rubbish. I am now thinking that your one of the PLAN agents as you seems to have a fair technical knowledge of armaments. But, I would say that you don’t know US wespons that are still classified. No point in discussing more with you. Or, are you also a member of the LBGT group, since your identity is undefined.
Bruce Kwong I wouldn’t talk to you either if you’re here and if you don’t have a MILLION BUCKS OR MORE. I know there are many Chinese who are rich and you’re not one of them. Don’t talk as if you are one.
BTW have you finished mopping the floors and cleaning of toliets? That will keep you warm there. Or, have you received your 0.5rmb dues as a Wumao ?
My sister is a Canadian citizen who do have access to Trudeau. I should report your activities as you might be required to register as a foreign agent with the immigration, if they have the same law as US.
Bruce Kwong I wouldn’t talk to you either if you’re here and if you don’t have a MILLION BUCKS OR MORE. I know there are many Chinese who are rich and you’re not one of them. Don’t talk as if you are one.
BTW have you finished mopping the floors and cleaning of toliets? That will keep you warm there. Or, have you received your 0.5rmb dues as a Wumao ?
My sister is a Canadian citizen who do have access to Trudeau. I should report your activities as you might be required to register as a foreign agent with the immigration, if they have the same law as US.
Hahahah just nothing but makes people laugh. Your conclusion is based on Google search. Guys look at it. That marks the end! Thank you. Well my end is china was invaded by so many countries before, but what happened at the end, china is still here , tough and strong. You keep saying it will collapses , sorry for decades now , go Google that. Hahahahah
Hahahah just nothing but makes people laugh. Your conclusion is based on Google search. Guys look at it. That marks the end! Thank you. Well my end is china was invaded by so many countries before, but what happened at the end, china is still here , tough and strong. You keep saying it will collapses , sorry for decades now , go Google that. Hahahahah
Like china had to boost its military because japan and the American aggressive moves , your right !
Like china had to boost its military because japan and the American aggressive moves , your right !
Agnam Reyes Carl Buddy I won’t underestimate japan. In fact I respect and admire the Morden japan. Look I am not like the guy talking about Nankin, japan has its it’s fabulous sides , but it does not mean because it defeated china before they can do it again. In fact far from it now. I look at things differently I don’t make personal attacks.
Agnam Reyes Carl Buddy I won’t underestimate japan. In fact I respect and admire the Morden japan. Look I am not like the guy talking about Nankin, japan has its it’s fabulous sides , but it does not mean because it defeated china before they can do it again. In fact far from it now. I look at things differently I don’t make personal attacks.
So true bro . Can’t agree more
So true bro . Can’t agree more
Ulysses Jay Quion Herrera then don’t, your comment makes no difference , whatever you do, matter how good a person you are , there are always people who don’t like you , not trusting you. It just the way it is. Let me just make myself clear , like the guy talking about Nankin, I am pro china. You don’t say it. But I am becuase so many comment against china because they never look at themself in their mirror once ! Not even once
Ulysses Jay Quion Herrera then don’t, your comment makes no difference , whatever you do, matter how good a person you are , there are always people who don’t like you , not trusting you. It just the way it is. Let me just make myself clear , like the guy talking about Nankin, I am pro china. You don’t say it. But I am becuase so many comment against china because they never look at themself in their mirror once ! Not even once
Joshua Rene Matamorosa lol the cost to be humiliated is the death of the whole country, japan. And look let us stop talking , you go create a war with china, if you cant let us accept this fact you don’t have a ball.
Joshua Rene Matamorosa lol the cost to be humiliated is the death of the whole country, japan. And look let us stop talking , you go create a war with china, if you cant let us accept this fact you don’t have a ball.