US-Japan Leaders "Strengthen Security Cooperation"... Focus on Countering China (Comprehensive)

U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida agreed to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the two countries as "global partners." They will establish a consultative body to discuss joint development and production of weapons, as well as upgrade the command and control system between U.S. forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces to enable rapid response to regional threats posed by China and North Korea. They also emphasized the importance of communication with China.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

According to the White House and others, President Biden stated at a joint press conference following the summit with Prime Minister Kishida at the White House in Washington D.C. on the 10th (local time), "The two countries are taking significant steps to strengthen defense and security cooperation." He added, "We are modernizing the command and control structure and increasing military planning and interoperability to cooperate smoothly and effectively," calling it "the most important upgrade since the alliance was established."

In the joint statement, the U.S. and Japan agreed to convene a forum on defense industry cooperation, acquisition, and support (DICAS) for joint missile development and production, and to upgrade the command and control system between their militaries to enhance interoperability during peacetime and contingencies. They also reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the development of a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) to counter hypersonic threats. Additionally, they will establish the first missile defense network among the U.S., Japan, and Australia, and conduct regular joint military exercises among the U.S., Japan, and the U.K.

Regarding AUKUS (the security alliance among the U.S., U.K., and Australia), President Biden said, "We are exploring ways for Japan to participate in 'Pillar 2,' which focuses on advanced capabilities including artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems," adding, "All of this represents a new benchmark for our military cooperation across various capabilities." Prime Minister Kishida drew a line on joining AUKUS beyond cooperation in Pillar 2, stating, "Nothing has been decided at this point."

The U.S. and Japan plan to discuss specific details at the upcoming '2+2' meeting (foreign and defense ministers' meeting). Prime Minister Kishida explained, "I conveyed to President Biden that Japan is determined to strengthen its defense capabilities through acquiring counterstrike capabilities and increasing the defense budget in accordance with the National Security Strategy," adding, "In this context, the two countries reaffirmed the urgency of further enhancing the alliance's deterrence and response capabilities and are strengthening defense and security cooperation to improve interoperability between U.S. forces and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, including improvements to the command and control framework."

They also confirmed their policy to cooperate as global partners to counter China, which is openly pursuing hegemonic ambitions. Prime Minister Kishida stated, "We strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion," and added, "Under a solid trust relationship with our ally, the United States, we will continue to urge China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power." President Biden also emphasized, "The U.S. defense commitment to Japan, including the Senkaku Islands (Chinese name Diaoyu Islands), remains unwavering."

Regarding the possibility of China reacting negatively to the strengthened U.S.-Japan military cooperation, President Biden drew a line, saying, "Our alliance with Japan is purely defensive in nature," and "It is not aimed at any country nor does it pose a threat in the region." Prime Minister Kishida also said, "While comprehensively promoting a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship with China, we will simultaneously work together to build a constructive and stable Japan-China relationship," and added, "We will continue to communicate closely at all levels."

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun analyzed that the summit focused on deterring China, which is enhancing its military power. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also noted, "The U.S. and Japan have agreed to pursue close cooperation to respond to China," highlighting concerns over China's potential invasion of Taiwan and North Korea's aggressive provocations amid strengthened military cooperation with Russia.

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

The two leaders emphasized cooperation at the U.S.-Japan and trilateral U.S.-Japan-South Korea levels regarding the ongoing nuclear missile provocations by North Korea. Prime Minister Kishida explained, "We reached an agreement to cooperate more closely on the current North Korean situation, which is seriously concerning, including nuclear and missile development," adding, "The U.S.-Japan and U.S.-Japan-South Korea cooperation will be strengthened to respond more closely." He further stated, "Realizing a results-oriented relationship between Japan and North Korea aligns with mutual interests and greatly contributes to regional peace and stability," confirming his intention to continue pursuing a North Korea-Japan summit with North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

President Biden also said, "We welcome opportunities for our allies to initiate dialogue with North Korea," and added, "I have confidence in Japan and Prime Minister Kishida, and I think seeking dialogue with them (North Korea) is a good and positive thing." This was a public expression of support for holding a North Korea-Japan summit. While open to unconditional talks with North Korea, he also pointed out the urgent need to address North Korea's human rights issues.

The joint statement released that day also included language reaffirming North Korea's complete denuclearization. The two leaders "strongly condemned North Korea's continued ballistic missile program development, including intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches and space launch vehicles using ballistic missile technology, which pose a serious threat to peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond," and urged a return to diplomacy without preconditions. They also expressed "serious concern" over the expansion of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, which supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine and threatens the peace regime in Northeast Asia.

However, the two leaders publicly showed differing views on the issue of Nippon Steel's acquisition by U.S. Steel. Prime Minister Kishida said, "I understand that discussions are currently underway between the parties involved, and I expect good discussions between the two countries," adding, "From Japan's perspective, I believe the U.S. government will proceed appropriately according to the law." On the other hand, President Biden reaffirmed his existing opposition, saying, "We will keep our promises to workers."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.