By: Leaya Chen
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, the U.S. and Japan announced they were creating a joint army due to concerns about China’s growing threats. The two countries set up a joint military command and plan to buildnew air defense systems. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said the U.S. will lead this new command to improve coordination and stability.
This decision is a reaction to China’s aggressive actions in East Asia, mostly in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The U.S. and Japan disagree with China’s efforts to change the situation in these areas by force. The statement also briefly mentioned Russia and North Korea’s hateful actions.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Defense Secretary Austin met with their Japanese counterparts, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, in Tokyo. This meeting is important because President Joe Biden recently announced he would not participate in the election. The next president could be Kamala Harris, the current vice president, or Donald J. Trump, who served before Biden. There are concerns about how either possible president will handle alliances since Trump has been demanding of alliances in the past.
Japan and South Korea, where U.S. troops are stationed, are particularly worried about possible conflicts with China or North Korea. Many people believe the U.S. military presence is crucial for deterrence.
In April, President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed increasing cooperation on military equipment. Japan plans to help produce more Patriot missiles.
Blinken and Austin will soon visit the Philippines, where there have been conflicts between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine naval ships in the South China Sea. The U.S. reminded China of its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.
As tensions continue to rise in East Asia, the U.S., and Japan military alliance highlights a commitment to local strength and deterrence amidst growing concerns about China’s assertive actions and potential conflicts with North Korea.