According to the Financial Times, the United States and Japan are set to undertake the most significant update to their security arrangements in over six decades, driven by the growing concerns over China's ambitions.
A New Era of Defense Collaboration
US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to reveal plans to reorganize the US military command in Japan. This strategic move aims to enhance operational planning and joint exercises, bolstering the defense capabilities of both nations in the face of China's increasing assertiveness.
The announcement is scheduled for April 10 during Kishida's visit to the White House.
The allies want to strengthen their security ties to counteract the perceived threat from China, which requires their militaries to cooperate and plan more closely, particularly with the looming prospect of a conflict in Taiwan.
Comments from the White House, Pentagon, US Pacific Command, and the Japanese government were not available at the time of reporting.
Rising Tensions in the Pacific
The backdrop to this update is the reported military expansion by China, with Admiral John Aquilino of the US Indo-Pacific Command noting China's growing military and nuclear capabilities, hinting at preparedness for potential action against Taiwan by 2027.
Additionally, Chinese President Xi Jinping's comments to President Biden last December suggested Beijing's intentions to integrate Taiwan with the mainland, though the timeline remains unspecified.
