US and Japan , Agree to Bolster Alliance , Amid Mutual Threats.
On January 11, top defense and foreign policy officials from the United States and Japan met to strengthen ties amid concerns of a potential conflict with China.
On January 11, top defense and foreign policy officials from the United States and Japan met to strengthen ties amid concerns of a potential conflict with China.
'Newsweek' reports that the talks were aimed at reaffirming alignment on mutually concerning matters and bolster contingency plans.
Those issues of mutual concern focused on North Korean missile threats, Russia's war in Ukraine and China's stance on Taiwan.
.
Those issues of mutual concern focused on North Korean missile threats, Russia's war in Ukraine and China's stance on Taiwan.
.
According to a joint statement, the officials agreed to modernize the U.S.-Japanese alliance "to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.".
According to a joint statement, the officials agreed to modernize the U.S.-Japanese alliance "to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.".
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a joint press conference that the U.S. welcomes Japan's commitment to bolster national defense and security strategies.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a joint press conference that the U.S. welcomes Japan's commitment to bolster national defense and security strategies.
Japan recently announced a 20% increase in defense spending to a record $55 billion beginning in April.
Japan recently announced a 20% increase in defense spending to a record $55 billion beginning in April.
'Newsweek' reports that Japan has also unveiled plans to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, which would enable weaponry to hit targets in China.
.
Defense planners believe the addition of "counterstrike" capabilities will also act to deter North Korean aggression in the region.
When it comes to Taiwan, I think it's very important to note that what we've seen from China in recent years—not recent months, recent years—is, unfortunately, an effort to undermine the longstanding status quo, a status quo that's maintained peace and stability for decades, Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, via 'Newsweek'.
When it comes to Taiwan, I think it's very important to note that what we've seen from China in recent years—not recent months, recent years—is, unfortunately, an effort to undermine the longstanding status quo, a status quo that's maintained peace and stability for decades, Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, via 'Newsweek'
