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Tensions are high in the Asian continent between several countries that fears of a possible World War 3 may ignite if escalated further. Japan recently pledged to enhance its current missile defenses after North Korea showed off its military in a recent parade.
Tokyo recently announced that they will be working on responding to potential threats that are described to be “diversifying and complex.” Speaking at a news conference, Chief Cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato announced that they will be working on enhancing their current military weapon arsenal. This follows the news of North Korea’s further development of nuclear arms and missiles, which were showcased during a recent military parade with drills.
“We understand that some of those missiles are said to make it difficult for us to respond with our conventional equipment,” said Kato, who added that they will continue coordinating with Washington and other countries concerned on the matter.
North Korea celebrated the 75th anniversary of its party over the weekend and the communist nation commemorated the occasion with a parade showing off the strength of its military. They also showcased the arsenal of weapons including intercontinental ballistic missiles and those that can be fired from submarines. Video footage was aired on North Korean state media with the country’s leader Kim Jong Un seen waving at the spectators who were present.
While the showcasing of weapons proved to be concerning to many countries that see North Korea as a threat, a former US Army Intelligence Officer Michael Pregend claimed that the weapons that were used in the parade were “fake.” Pregend examined photos that were taken in the capital and said that the weapons were not fit for combat. Pregend then said that those show-weapons were there to send a message rather than prove to be effective.
Aside from tensions between Japan and North Korea, there is also a long-running dispute between China and other countries including Taiwan. This comes with China’s expansionist views that draw the ire of many surrounding countries in the continent, stoking fears of World War 3 should things get worse. China is keen on claiming Taiwan and Hong Kong, despite the two autonomous regions pushing back and calling for independence.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen announced that they are prepared for any potential Chinese invasion. However, they are also open to a more diplomatic dialogue with China. During Taiwan’s National Day, Tsai made the remarks after China started doing military drills in the Taiwan Strait.
