Fresh strategic initiatives to further expand and upgrade the security alliance between Japan and the United States featured prominently in the April 10 meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Joe Biden at the White House.
Among the steps the two leaders announced were enhanced “command and control” cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, Japan’s cooperation with the AUKUS security framework grouping the United States, Britain and Australia as a counter to China and the rollout of regular bilateral official talks linking the Japanese and U.S. defense industries.
Their joint statement defined the bilateral relationship as “a global partnership” that involves collaboration in a broad range of areas worldwide. It stated that the “U.S.-Japan alliance has reached unprecedented heights.”
A senior U.S. administration official described the implications of the new security initiatives as representing “one of the biggest changes to take place in the U.S.-Japan alliance since 1960,” when it underwent significant changes through a revision of the bilateral security treaty.
However, the Kishida administration appears to be less than eager to offer a wide-ranging explanation to the public about this latest radical change in the nature of the alliance that is commensurate with its importance.
The question is whether the accelerating “integration” of the two nations’ defense capabilities and operations will receive broad public support. The answer will depend on how the Kishida administration responds to the concerns that are raised.
The need for close coordination in command and control stems partly from the Kishida administration’s decision to arm the SDF with counterstrike capabilities. Since Japan is taking on some of the “offensive” roles previously handled by the U.S. military, operational adjustments are essential.
Along with the establishment of the SDF “Joint Operations Command” for integrated command and control of the ground, maritime and air units this fiscal year, the U.S. side is working to reinforce the structure and operability of the U.S. Forces Japan Command. Bilateral security cooperation will be intensified, both for peacetime and emergency situations.
The government emphasizes that the chains of command of the SDF and the U.S. military will remain separate, even in emergencies.
However, it is questionable whether Japan can make independent decisions in security emergencies when the U.S. military will deploy and mobilize its overwhelming defense and intelligence capabilities, even though the answer will depend on the actual framework for command control coordination the two governments will work out.
With regard to defense industry cooperation, Tokyo and Washington are considering joint development and production of missiles and maintenance of U.S. military ships and aircraft in Japanese civilian facilities. Japan is considering cooperation with AUKUS focused on advanced technology fields for weapons development.
Japan has opened the way for the export of lethal weapons with the recent revision of the three principles and implementation guidelines concerning the transfer of defense equipment. The Kishida administration has approved direct exports of fighter jets from Japan to third countries after reaching an agreement for joint development of a next-generation fighter with Britain and Italy. The approach of using international frameworks for security cooperation to incrementally expand arms exports should not be adopted repeatedly.
The quick and radical enhancement of the U.S.-Japan alliance is driven by concerns about China’s rapid military buildup and increasingly assertive challenge to the existing order. However, if the two countries focus emphatically and exclusively on measures against China, including in the economic sector, the strategy could backfire and inadvertently lead to regional instability.
The joint statement criticizes China’s aggressive maritime advancements and highlights the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, while also mentioning the importance of candid communication and cooperation with Beijing in areas of mutual interest. More than just words, Tokyo, as well as Washington, needs to take specific actions to promote direct dialogue with China at leadership and ministerial levels.
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 12
EDITORIAL: Kishida-Biden summit short on specifics about military fusing
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12.04.2024
Fresh strategic initiatives to further expand and upgrade the security alliance between Japan and the United States featured prominently in the April 10 meeting between Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Joe Biden at the White House.
Among the steps the two leaders announced were enhanced “command and control” cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military, Japan’s cooperation with the AUKUS security framework grouping the United States, Britain and Australia as a counter to China and the rollout of regular bilateral official talks linking the Japanese and U.S. defense industries.
Their joint statement defined the bilateral relationship as “a global partnership” that involves collaboration in a broad range of areas worldwide. It stated that the “U.S.-Japan alliance has reached unprecedented heights.”
A senior U.S. administration official described the implications of the new security initiatives as representing “one of the biggest changes to take place in the U.S.-Japan alliance since 1960,” when it underwent significant changes through a revision........
© The Asahi Shimbun
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