Sharjah 24 – AFP: The United States and Japan sharply criticized China and Russia on Sunday following high-level defense talks in Tokyo. A joint statement from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and their Japanese counterparts condemned China's efforts to reshape the global order and its provocative actions in the South China Sea. The statement also addressed Russia’s military cooperation with China and its procurement of weapons from North Korea.
Blinken emphasized that US alliances are purely defensive, and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa highlighted the need to enhance the US-Japan alliance to maintain international order and deterrence.
The statement confirmed plans to establish a new US Joint Force Headquarters in Japan, improving coordination with Japan’s planned Joint Operations Command. The US and Japan also agreed to boost joint planning and training.
Japan is increasingly moving away from its pacifist stance, increasing defense spending and developing counterstrike capabilities. Recent agreements with the Philippines and South Korea aim to bolster regional security, with further cooperation expected between Japan, the US, and South Korea.
The discussions underscore the US commitment to defend Japan and strengthen trilateral alliances amid growing regional tensions.
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