US – Japan Boost Military Ties to Counter China

 

   Korede TeribaThe United States and Japan have boosted their military ties to counter China in a move for security and military cooperation against China’s threats. This decision emerged in the growing anxieties over China’s increasing military expansion and coercive behavior in the region.Information concerning the military agreement was contained in a joint statement, titled, “Joint Statement of the Security Consultative Committee.”At the Japan – US Security Consultative Committee, also known as the “2+2” security talks, top diplomats and defense chiefs from both nations reiterated their bilateral alliance. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin met with their Japanese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, to discuss the rising threat from China and other issues.“The ministers reaffirmed their serious concerns over PRC’s repeated obstruction of Philippines vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation and the disruption of supply lines to Second Thomas Shoal, which constitute dangerous and destabilizing conduct.” The statement read in part.Also, Minister Kamikawa, expressing his views, said, “We are standing at a historic turning point as the rules-based, free and open international order is shaken to the core,”Asides China’s rising threat, they “condemned Russia’s reckless nuclear rhetoric and its attacks against critical infrastructure, and they reiterated the need for Russia to be held accountable for it’s atrocities in Ukraine.Vital takeaways from the talks include:
– Upgrading the command and control of US forces in Japan to enhance interoperability and cooperation
– Strengthening American-licensed missile production in Japan
– Enhanced intelligence coordination, surveillance, reconnaissance, and cybersecurity
– Reaffirmation of the US commitment to “extended deterrence,” including atomic weaponsThis development marks a significant shift in Japan’s stance, as the nation has traditionally been reluctant to openly discuss the issue of atomic weapons. The move comes amidst growing nuclear threats from Russia and China.