In what is being described as a ‘historic’ move, the United States has announced plans to overhaul its military forces in Japan. This decision, a joint statement said, was reached in order to deepen defense cooperation between Washington and Tokyo amid mounting security threats in Asia.
Joint Statement
The plan was made known to the public at a meeting in Tokyo between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and their counterparts from Japan, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara. Part of the joint statement also termed China’s economic, political, and military activities, the “greatest strategic challenge” in the Asia-Pacific region.
The joint statement also emphasized that the US military forces based in Japan would be reconstituted as a joint force headquarters which will report to the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command. The primary aim of this restructuring is to enhance interoperability and cooperation on joint bilateral operations in peacetime and during contingencies.
According to Austin, the proposed change will be the most significant to US troops in Japan since its inception. He argued that the expanded missions and operational responsibilities would be an upgrade on US military capabilities in the region. This modernization will deter and respond to coercive behavior in the Indo-Pacific, reinforcing the alliance's strength.
Chinese Aggression
While this announcement will no doubt draw the ire of Beijing, it is noteworthy that it is coming on the back of China's increased aggression on territorial matters, while North Korea remains consistent on its illegal weapons program. Both countries are also strengthening ties with Russia as Putin’s army continues the assault on Ukraine.
In April, a summit between the US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida took place in Washington where both leaders pledged to strengthen their command-and-control frameworks in order to safeguard the Indo-Pacific region amidst rising regional security challenges.
A senior US defense official told the media ahead of Sunday’s announcement that the country had no intention to integrate Japanese forces into the US military commands. He also said details of the implementation would be ironed out by working committees made up of US Indo-Pacific Command officials.
Implications of the Rehabilitation
Interestingly, the reconfiguration represents a marked shift in Japan's defense posture, from the pacifist stance it took at the behest of the United States post-World War II. Now the country plans to hike its defense spending to about 2% of its GDP, and purchase counter strike capabilities by 2027.
These changes have therefore solidified Japan's status as integral to the US’ regional security strategy as it pushes for increased coordination with allies and partners amid rising regional tensions. In the wake of the war in Ukraine, Washington now sees security in Europe and Asia as heavily intertwined.
This move is coming months before the US presidential elections, which is being closely watched by allies and rivals alike. Former President and Republican candidate, Donald Trump has repeatedly called into the question the cost of US alliances. Responding to questions on what impact the elections could have on US-Japan relations, Blinken said the long-standing alliance “was stronger than it’s ever been”, insisting that it would be “sustained irrespective of the outcome of elections in either of our countries.”
US Forces Japan (USFJ), is headquartered in the Yokota Air Base and consists of approximately 54,000 military personnel. The US troops in Japan operate under a mutual cooperation and security treaty signed in 1960.