North Korea threat: Japan sparks World War 3 PANIC with first jet fighter ship since WW2
JAPAN has stepped up preparations for a breakout of World War 3 – and infuriated China at the same time – by developing its first aircraft carrier since the Second World War.
Japan to convert warship into fighter jet aircraft carrier
The Japanese development of an aircraft carrier – fit to carry US-made F-35 fighter jets – has shocked its Asian neighbours.
Earlier this week, Japan revealed its plan to convert a helicopter warship into a stealth fighter aircraft carrier for the first time since the devastation of the Second World War.
China has been alarmed by the escalation in Japan's militarization and warned that this move violates their constitutional "no-war" clause.
An expert in Asian affairs, Andrew Leung, said the move could be a "pretext for a larger military force".
Following its defeat at the end of the Second World War, Japan signed a deal promising to convert its military into a defensive force.
The Japanese Government maintain that the aircraft carrier development is intended only as a defence against Kim Jong-un's North Korean regime.
However, Mr Leung disputed this during an interview with RT: "This is a move towards escalation.
"The threat from North Korea is not credible – and even if it was, aircraft carriers cannot defend against nuclear weapons."
The Asian affairs expert also accused the US of encouraging Japan to revise its constitution and play a greater military role against North Korea.
The threat from North Korea is not credible - and if it was, aircraft carriers cannot defend against nuclear weapons
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had already drawn criticism after signing an arms deals to buy 42 F-35A, the stealth fighters that the aircraft carrier would be fitted for.
The move also sparked fears of a confrontation with China, as the carrier would likely patrol disputed areas of the East China Sea where China and Japan both claim sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said: “We urge Japan to do more that may help enhance mutual trust and promote regional peace and stability.
"Due to historical reasons, each move Japan makes in military security draws concern from its neighbours.
"We’ve noticed such moves may violate the Japanese constitution."
This comes as North Korea is reportedly preparing to launch another missile.
CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr said: “Multiple officials tell us North Korea is moving equipment around.
“They are not able to tell us exactly what kind of equipment, but it is the kind of thing making them watch for the possibility, in the coming days or weeks, of another missile launch or even a satellite launch.
“It’s simply too soon to say exactly what the North Koreans may be up to.”