The U.S. and Japan have agreed to a new formulation of their military alliance. The Japan Times characterizes the agreement as follows: “In one of the biggest upgrades to the U.S.-Japan alliance since its inception, the U.S. will revamp its command in Japan, giving it a ‘direct leadership role’ over American forces in operational planning in both peacetime and in potential crises, the countries’ defense chiefs and top diplomats announced Sunday, as the allies’ look to counter what they say is an increasingly assertive China.”
The announcement followed the “two-plus-two” talks between Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and their U.S. counterparts, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Austin told a news conference: “The United States will upgrade the U.S. Forces Japan (U.S.FJ) to a joint force headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities. This will be the most significant change to U.S. Forces Japan since its creation—one of the strongest improvements in our military ties.”
China responded forcefully and honestly, declaring yesterday that the agreement “puts Tokyo at the front line of counterattacks.” The Global Times reports: “The move doubles down on the U.S.’ intention of using Japan as an outpost in the Asia-Pacific region to boost its nuclear deterrence to contain countries such as China and elevate the role of the Japan Self-Defense Forces in the U.S.-Japan military alliance. However, this will put Tokyo in the front line of a counterattack from other countries, including a nuclear conflict, said Chinese observers. Moreover, the enhanced U.S.-Japan alliance will likely provoke a new round of arms race in tactical nuclear weapons in the region, experts said.”
