In a recent meeting in Tokyo, top defense officials and diplomats from the US and Japan announced plans to enhance their military cooperation in response to aggressive actions by China in the region. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin engaged in the “2+2” security talks with their Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara.
The focus of the discussions was on modernizing the command and control structures for US forces in Japan, with new control and command centers and boosted missile production to be established. The allies also expressed concerns over China’s destabilizing actions in the South China Sea and Russia’s military collaboration with North Korea.
Japan, in response to the escalating threats from China and North Korea, has shifted its pacifist stance to enhance defense capabilities. This includes increased cooperation with the US, South Korea, and the Philippines. The US has reaffirmed its commitment to extended deterrence for Japan, marking a significant shift in security policies for the country.
These developments highlight the deepening defense ties between the US and Japan and their shared commitment to regional security in the Indo-Pacific.\
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