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'
