On Sunday, following a high-level meeting in Tokyo, the United States and Japan strongly criticized Beijing’s “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea, while also condemning the increasing military cooperation between Russia, China (CCP), and North Korea.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kawakami, and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara held a “2+2” security meeting to discuss upgrading the command structure of US forces in Japan, extending deterrence, and enhancing military cooperation such as Japan’s production of US-approved missiles.
In the face of the growing influence of the CCP, the US and Japan continue to strengthen their alliance. Three months ago, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida issued a joint statement at the White House, ushering in a new era of strategic cooperation between the two nations.
The joint statement stressed that the foreign and defense ministers of the US and Japan “strongly oppose China’s illegal maritime claims, militarization through artificial island construction in the South China Sea, and threatening and provocative activities.”
The statement additionally noted that China (CCP)’s “destabilizing actions in the region include unsafe maritime and aerial encounters, interference with other countries’ offshore resource extraction, as well as the dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels.”
They accused China (CCP) of “intensifying efforts to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea through force or coercion,” and that China (CCP)’s “diplomatic policies aim to reshape the international order at the expense of other countries’ interests.”
Furthermore, they expressed concerns about China (CCP)’s “continuing rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal, with intentions lacking transparency, even though there is public evidence, the People’s Republic of China continues to deny it.”
On the following Monday (July 29th), Blinken and Kawakami would meet with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, as the Quad foreign ministers gathered in Tokyo.
Due to concerns regarding the CCP and vigilance against North Korea, Japan’s security policy is evolving, gradually moving away from strict pacifism, increasing defense spending, and seeking to acquire a “counterattack” capability.
In early July, Japan and the Philippines signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement, allowing the entry of each other’s military forces for joint military training. Three months ago, leaders from Japan, the Philippines, and the US convened an unprecedented trilateral summit in Washington.
Japan and South Korea are also working towards repairing bilateral relations after World War II, setting aside past grievances. Last August, Biden hosted the leaders of Japan and South Korea at Camp David, continuing to strengthen economic and security ties between the three parties.
South Korean Defense Minister Suh Wonsok traveled to Tokyo over the weekend to participate in the US-Japan-South Korea trilateral defense ministerial meeting, marking the first visit by a South Korean defense minister to Japan in 15 years.
The Washington Post reported that Austin would announce on Sunday that the US would upgrade the headquarters of its forces in Japan to be led by a three-star commander overseeing all branches or a “joint force.” The US-Japan “2+2” meeting on Sunday would also address this issue.
According to Kyodo News, the current US forces in Japan command is only responsible for base management, with combat units of 54,000 US troops and coordination with Japan’s Self-Defense Forces handled by the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii.
There have been suggestions that due to the distance and time difference between Japan and the US, there is a need to enhance the authority of the US forces in Japan to facilitate smooth cooperation during emergencies.
Officials stated that by upgrading the command authority of US forces in Japan, the aim is to facilitate joint exercises and operations.
Japan plans to establish an “Integrated Command for Joint Operations” with 240 personnel by March of next year, optimizing the command system for the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces. Kyodo News pointed out that the new organization of the US forces in Japan is also considering adopting a similar scale to enhance collaborative functions with the Japanese side.
The Sunday meeting will also cover strengthening Washington’s “extended deterrence” commitment, where US forces, including nuclear weapons, are used to deter attacks against allies.
Naoko Aoki, a political scientist at the RAND Corporation, stated that China’s military modernization, North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and the nuclear threats in the Ukrainian conflict have made Japan uneasy.
Aoki told AFP, “It is important for the US to reassure Japan of its commitments and send a signal to potential adversaries that the US-Japan alliance remains strong, with the US committed to using nuclear weapons to defend Japan if necessary.”
The ministers will also discuss cooperation between Japan and the US in the defense industry, such as increasing the production of the Patriot 3 (PAC-3) missiles destined for export to the US to replenish the reduced stock due to US support for Ukraine.
Reuters reported last week that due to a shortage of components produced by Boeing, the expansion plan for the Patriot 3 in Japan may be delayed.
Source: Voice of America. Original Title: US-Japan 2+2 Meeting Criticizes Beijing’s Destabilizing Regional Actions, Upgrading of US Forces in Japan