By: Ewan Thomson

On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Mr. Austin and Antony J. Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, did a 2+2 meeting with their Japanese counterparts to increase the military bond between countries. A 2+2 meeting is where two high-level representatives hold a meeting with another two foreign, high-level representatives.   

The U.S. and Japanese military are worried about the rising forces of China and North Korea. The U.S. and Japan fear a war involving one of them or both. So they created a mutual-defense clause in their treaty to increase their military alliance.

According to the U.S. and Japanese governments, “increasingly severe security environment caused by recent moves of regional actors.” sThis means that increased moves by other countries cause Japan and the U.S. to make military moves. There is also hostile activity by Russia and North Korea that is pushing this agreement.

Because of the potential threats, Japan agreed to buy 400 Tomahawk Cruise Missiles from the U.S. for 1.7 billion dollars.

Additionally, foreign leaders are questioning how The U.S.’s new president will handle foreign policy and alliances. This coming presidency has Kamala Harris, the USA’s current vice president, or Donald J. Trump to become the next president, Joe Biden dropped out.

Allied leaders are concerned about another Donald J. Trump presidency because Trump often criticizes military alliances as too costly and not a benefit for the USA.

All in all, the USA has been working on military alliances with Japan.

Who: The United States and Japanese Defense officials.
What: want to take big steps to strengthen ties in military. Military alliance. Mr. Austin and Antony J. Blinken, the US secretary of state did a 2+2 meeting. Added significance because of Joe Biden not seeking relection. Other countries are worried about trip being rejected because he often criticizes military alliances to be costly and not to America’s benefit. Japan and South Korea are wary of a potential war involving China, North Korea, or both. Japan Buys 400 Tomahawk Cruise missiles for 1.7 billion. People are wondering how the foreign policy will change because of the president changing.
When: on Sunday July 28, 2024.
Where: In Tokyo, China, North Korea.
Why: there is the rising threat of China. Aggressive moves my china in East Asia. Hostile activity by Russia and North Korea

Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/28/world/asia/us-japan-military-alliance.html