By: Jerry Zhang
In a decisive move to strengthen their military alliance amid rising regional tensions, the United States and Japan announced significant steps to increase their defense cooperation on Sunday, July 28, 2024, emphasizing the need to counter the growing threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region.
A statement released by the two governments’ top officials outlined the establishment of joint forces under the American commander in the Indo-Pacific as well as the increased co-production of air-to-air and air defense interceptor missiles. This statement reaffirms the importance of the military alliance between the United States and Japan, placing emphasis on the mutual defense clause of the treaty. It cites the “increasingly severe security environment caused by recent moves of regional actors” and the aggression shown in the region by China in the South China Sea, as well as by Russia and North Korea.
Currently, China has been increasing its aggression in the South China Sea by deploying more troops to the area and asserting control over territories that are not under its jurisdiction. There have been frequent clashes between Filipino fishermen and Chinese coastguards over fishing rights. Additionally, North Korea and Russia have signed a mutual defense treaty in direct response to U.S. alliances in East Asia.
On July 28, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III met with their Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara. While these meetings are routine, this session took on added significance following President Biden’s announcement that he will not seek re-election in 2024. Allied officials are relatively unfamiliar with Vice President Kamala Harris’s views on foreign affairs, though many believe she will continue President Biden’s policies, being a part of President Biden’s administration. However, there is considerable concern about the possible return of former President Donald Trump, who has been critical of U.S. military alliances.
The strengthened alliance and increased defense cooperation between the United States and Japan came at a pivotal moment. As the U.S. faces an impending change in leadership with President Biden’s decision not to seek re-election, the continuity of its foreign policy remains uncertain. The outcome of the 2024 election could significantly impact the U.S. approach to international alliances and the current world order.