Nikkei Asian Review: Will North Korea Set Off New Arms Buildup in Asia?

North Korea, by threatening to “sink Japan” and firing a seventh ballistic missile over Japanese air space, is challenges the entire world community. The Chinese public grumbles after a hydrogen bomb test caused an earthquake and leaders responded with internet censorship. As North Korea’s lead benefactor, China wants to avoid a missile launched its way. The region, now realizing that China has less influence over North Korea than much of the world had long assumed, could respond with an arms buildup. The US president, despite past complaints about the costs of overseas military commitments, has repeatedly assured the Japanese prime minister that the United States will stand by its ally. “Despite Trump's assurances, however, Japanese political and military leaders have started to question the strength of the security compact that has underpinned the relationship between the U.S. and Japan in the postwar era,” write Hiroyuki Akita and Tetsushi Takahashi for Nikkei Asian Review. Japan invests in new interceptor systems, and South Korea has allowed the United State to set up anti-missile launchers. Many in the region harbor concerns that the United States won’t consult with allies before attacking North Korea. – YaleGlobal