Japan-US reaffirm application of security treaty to Senkaku Islands, a 'territorial dispute' area

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The United States and Japan have agreed that the Senkaku Islands fall under the scope of the US-Japan Security Treaty.

According to foreign media on the 16th, the two countries reaffirmed through a joint document released after the Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) meeting held in Tokyo that day that the Senkaku Islands are subject to Article 5 of the US-Japan Security Treaty, which stipulates the US obligation to defend Japan.

The Senkaku Islands are a disputed territory between China and Japan, currently under effective control of Japan.

In the joint document, the US and Japan expressed "serious concern" over China's implementation of the Coast Guard Law, which allows the use of weapons by coast guard vessels, describing it as a recent move causing instability in the region.

The 2+2 meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo.

They also reaffirmed in a statement that the US-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Additionally, Japan pledged to strengthen its defense capabilities and further reinforce the US-Japan alliance, while the US emphasized its commitment to support Japan's defense with all capabilities, including nuclear weapons.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.