Japan and US to Discuss Military Cooperation in Tokyo
Japanese and US defense chiefs and top diplomats will meet in Tokyo on Sunday to discuss further military cooperation. The talks will focus on upgrading the command and control of US forces in Japan and strengthening American-licensed missile production in the country. This comes amid a rising threat from China.
The ministers will also discuss the US commitment to "extended deterrence," including atomic weapons, for the first time. This shift addresses Japan's earlier reluctance to discuss the sensitive issue and the growing nuclear threats from Russia and China.
Additionally, they will discuss plans to upgrade command and control structures for US forces in Japan, aiming to improve joint exercises and operations.
The meeting follows Japan's increased military buildup and joint operations with the US and South Korea. Japan has also eased arms export restrictions and is expected to discuss increased production of PAC-3 interceptors for export to the US.
This cooperation aims to strengthen the Japanese defense industry and support US weapons supply in the Indo-Pacific region.