TOKYO. Japanese and U.S. defense officials have agreed to upgrade their military cooperation during the recent Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, commonly known as the “2+2” talks, held in Tokyo. This meeting comes as both nations address the growing strategic threat posed by China.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with their Japanese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, to discuss key enhancements to their alliance. These improvements include upgrading the command and control structures of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and boosting American-licensed missile production in Japan.
Secretary Austin highlighted the importance of these changes, stating, “The command upgrade will be the most significant change to the U.S. Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years. These new operational capabilities and responsibilities will advance our collective deterrence.”
Kamikawa emphasized the gravity of the current global situation, saying, “We are standing at a historic turning point as the rules-based, free and open international order is shaken to the core. Now is a critical phase when our decision today determines our future.”
The discussions underscored China’s growing influence, with Austin noting that China is “engaging in coercive behavior, trying to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, around Taiwan and throughout the region.” He also mentioned North Korea’s nuclear program and its increasing cooperation with Russia as additional threats to regional and global security.
In the joint statement following the talks, the ministers described China’s foreign policy as seeking to “reshape the international order for its own benefit at the expense of others,” calling it “the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”
China’s extensive maritime claims in the South China Sea and its stance on Taiwan continue to strain relations with many countries in the Asia-Pacific. The recent announcement of a 7.2% increase in China’s defense budget, the second-highest in the world after the U.S., further underscores the scale of military expansion.
The planned reorganization of U.S. command in Japan, set for March, will align with Japan’s own command updates. This change aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation on joint operations, as well as improve intelligence coordination, surveillance, reconnaissance, and cybersecurity.
Although the new U.S. command will be led by a three-star general, not the four-star general Japan had hoped for, Austin noted that negotiations are ongoing, stating, “We haven’t ruled that out.”
Cybersecurity remains a major concern for Japan, which has recently faced cyberattacks targeting its space agency. Although sensitive information was not compromised, the attacks have spurred Japan to strengthen its preventative measures.
The ministers reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to “extended deterrence,” including nuclear capabilities, marking a shift from Japan’s previous reluctance to openly discuss nuclear issues. This shift comes amid growing nuclear threats from Russia and China.
Japan has been enhancing its military capabilities and expanding joint operations with the U.S. and South Korea. Recent measures include easing arms export restrictions and accommodating U.S. requests for surface-to-air PAC-3 missile interceptors produced in Japan. The focus is now on increasing Japanese production of these interceptors and co-producing Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
Additionally, Japan and the U.S. are accelerating arms industry cooperation following an April agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Biden. They have established working groups for missile co-production and maintenance of U.S. Navy ships and Air Force aircraft in the region.
In a related development, Kihara, along with U.S. and South Korean Defense Ministers, signed a trilateral defense cooperation memorandum. This agreement, formalizing their regular high-level talks and joint exercises, aims to ensure steadfast collaboration among the three countries despite potential leadership changes. Kihara emphasized, “The signing of this memorandum makes our trilateral cooperation unwavering even under changing global environments.”
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
