U.S. and Japan to Enhance Military Cooperation
Top U.S. and Japanese officials will meet in Tokyo on Sunday to discuss further strengthening their military collaboration. The focus will be on upgrading the command and control of U.S. forces in Japan and boosting American-licensed missile production within the country, in response to China's growing military presence.
The talks will also address the sensitive issue of "extended deterrence," including the use of nuclear weapons, a shift from Japan's previous stance due to concerns about Russia and China.
Additionally, plans to upgrade the command and control structures for U.S. forces in Japan will be discussed, aiming to improve joint exercises and operations.
Prior to the main talks, Japan's Defense Minister will meet with his South Korean counterpart for the first time in 15 years, followed by a trilateral discussion with the U.S. Defense Secretary.
Japan has been actively bolstering its military and increasing joint operations with both the U.S. and South Korea, while also seeking to strengthen its domestic defense industry.
The discussions are expected to include further collaboration on arms production, including increased Japanese production of PAC-3 missile interceptors for export to the United States.
While Japan's primary role is to support U.S. weapons supply and maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, the collaboration is also seen as beneficial for strengthening Japan's own defense industry.