US-Japan military command upgradation; Countering Chinese influence and Extended Nuclear deterrence.
US-Japan military command / Security Lense| News and Media| 30-July-2024
Overview
The United States, in a strategic move on Sunday, announced its plans for a shift in its military command in Japan to deepen relations with the ally and pursue strategic goals. Notably, both nations mutually agreed on labeling China as the “greatest strategic challenge”, facing the region.
Reportedly, US Secretary of the State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held security talks in Tokyo with the Japanese foreign minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence minister Minoru Kihara. Talking to the media reporters, US secretary of Defence said “The United States will upgrade the US forces Japan to a joint force headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities.”
In a joint statement after so called “2+2” talks, the ministers emphasized on the need to enhance military relations between both states by saying “ This will be the most significant change to US Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvement in our military ties with Japan in 70 years”. This development can be attributed to both state’ astuteness as they plan to address what they called “an evolving security environment”, indicating various threats emerging from Chinese side to both states.
The ministers also rescinded Beijing’s proactive behavior in South and East China seas, emphasizing on its joint military exercises with Russia and the rapid spread of its nuclear weapons arsenal. The minister’s stern responses were followed by the idea that China is looking to benefit itself at the expense of other nations in the world. The ministers also said that “Such Behavior is a serious concern to the Alliance and the entire international community and represents the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-pacific region and beyond”.
Furthermore, US Secretary of Defence also told the media that this command upgrade was not implemented specifically to counter Chinese influence; rather it was important for the allies to work more progressively and effectively. The US- Japan military partnership is pervasive as the Japan holds a base for the US in order to exercise in military might in Asia. It is home of nearly 54000 YS troops and Washington’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier. This upgrade in the military command by the US in Japan will be headed by a three-star general, with possibility of appointing a four-star general in the near future, due to neighboring South Korea.
Nuclear Realm:
In a shocking move, for the first time, the ministers also discussed the “extended deterrence”. It is a notorious term used to describe the US aim to utilize its nuclear arsenal for the prevention of any attack on the allies. Having suffered from the horrors and sinister reality of nuclear weapons, it is still a very sensitive subject to discuss in Japan, a state which always preferred non proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Japan discussing the need to utilize the nuclear forces of the ally state means that there are several nuclear threats to the state, which the ministers refrain from disclosing. Nevertheless, it is high time for state to consider the ally’s help in deterring nuclear threats in the region.
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