East China Sea

U.S. Navy

Big Exercise, Low Profile, In Japan-China Dispute

TOKYO – One of the largest-ever joint training exercises between U.S. and Japanese troops is underway in and around the …

BattlelandPacific

A Modest Proposal for Defending Japan’s Remote Islands

By Kirk SpitzerOct. 25, 20120

Cooler heads have prevailed so far in the standoff between Japan and China over disputed islands in the East China Sea. But it might be time for Japan to put a few defenses there in case warmer heads prevail the next …

BattlelandSouth China Sea

Big U.S. Fleet Nears Disputed Islands, But What For?

By Kirk SpitzerSept. 30, 20120

TOKYO – It’s probably just a coincidence; no need to worry yet. But the U.S. has quietly assembled a powerful air, land and sea armada not far from where Japan and China are squaring off over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

BattlelandPacific

History Threatens Repeat in Renewed Pacific War

By Kirk SpitzerSept. 27, 20120

Disputes over islands in Asia reflect a wider failure to reconcile differences among nations stemming from historical conflicts

BattlelandPacific

What Crisis? U.S. Marines and Japanese Troops Train For War

By Kirk SpitzerSept. 23, 20120

APRA HARBOR, GUAM – Slipping off a warship in small raiding boats, some 60 Japanese soldiers and U.S. Marines came quietly ashore on an isolated beach here this weekend, looking to catch an unnamed enemy unawares. It was part …

BattlelandPacific

Japan Frets over U.S. Support in China Dispute

By Kirk SpitzerSept. 14, 20120

TOKYO – When the U.S. Defense Secretary arrives in Asia this weekend, his biggest challenge may not be convincing China that America will give its full support to longtime ally Japan in the escalating dispute over islands …