Japanese warship entered China's waters near Taiwan despite warnings, domestic media reports
CNBCJUL 14 2024
The US and Japan Sunday announced their intent to upgrade military ties by establishing a joint force headquarters under US leadership in planning and leading.
The defense chiefs of the two nations also agreed to strengthen US-licensed missile production in Japan as part of a bolstering of their military ties.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called it "the most significant change to US Forces Japan" (USFJ) and "one of the strongest improvements" in military ties.
Both the US and Japan view China’s coercive tactics in the Indo-Pacific as a significant threat. This has led to enhanced security cooperation, with the US gaining more military base access in the Philippines and resuming joint patrols. Japan, too, is deepening defense ties with the Philippines, even as South Korea and Australia reinforce alliances with the US. These moves, provoked by China’s assertiveness, are creating a coalition of democracies aimed at countering Beijing's influence in the region.
The deepening US-Japan security alliance, along with other US-led alliances in the region, is aimed at addressing the "China threat." However, this complex network only risks escalating tensions in East Asia, potentially leading to a more dangerous and divided region. Without significant diplomatic efforts to balance military strategies, there is a growing risk of conflict, highlighting the urgent need for cautious, cooperative approaches to regional stability.