The top diplomatic and defense officials from the United States and Japan announced on Sunday that their nations would take concrete steps to bolster their military alliance because of the growing threat from China in the region. The move comes as a response to aggressive moves by China, Russia, and North Korea in East Asia.
The joint forces established will answer to the American commander in the Indo-Pacific, as outlined in a statement issued by the two governments’ top officials and the overseeing committee. The collaboration also includes plans to increase co-production of air-to-air missiles and air defense interceptor missiles to enhance military capabilities.
The statement emphasized the importance of the mutual-defense clause in their treaty, given the “increasingly severe security environment caused by recent actions of regional actors.” Specific attention was drawn to China’s activities in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and beyond, with both nations expressing strong opposition to China’s attempts to unilaterally change the status quo through force or coercion.
U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, and U.S. Defense Secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, held discussions with their Japanese counterparts in Tokyo during the 2+2 dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the alliance and addressing security challenges in the region.
