Japan and US Strengthen Military Cooperation Amid Rising Threat From China

Japanese and US defense chiefs and top diplomats will meet in Tokyo to bolster military cooperation. Talks will focus on upgrading the command and control of US forces and increasing missile production in Japan. This discussion comes amid increasing threats from China, Russia, and support for Ukraine.

Japanese and US defense chiefs and top diplomats will convene in Tokyo this Sunday to enhance military cooperation, emphasizing upgraded command and control of US forces and increased American-licensed missile production in Japan. These talks arise amid growing threats from China.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, together with their Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, will participate in the '2+2' security talks to reaffirm their alliance post-President Biden's decision not to seek re-election. A key topic will be the US commitment to extended deterrence, including atomic weapons.

Additionally, the ministers will explore plans to bring higher-ranked officers into US forces in Japan to improve command and control structures. This move aims to facilitate smoother joint exercises and operations. Japan, currently hosting over 50,000 US troops, has been ramping up its military might and defense industry in cooperation with the US and South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies.)