Japan, US, and South Korea Strengthen Defense Ties Amid China’s Assertiveness
On July 28, Japan, the US, and South Korea signed a memorandum in Tokyo to enhance their trilateral defense cooperation. This agreement aims to sustain policy consultations, information-sharing, and joint exercises amidst China’s assertiveness in the East and South China seas.
Historic Meeting
This meeting was the first of its kind in 15 years and follows a landmark summit held by US President Joe Biden at Camp David nearly a year ago. The defense chiefs of the three nations—US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, and South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won Sik—vowed to strengthen cooperation to deter nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
Joint Statement
In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed the unwavering nature of their new era of trilateral cooperation. Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated, “By signing this memorandum, our trilateral cooperation has become more solidified and will not waver, even under changes in international circumstances.”
Opposition to Unilateral Changes
The leaders also reaffirmed their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, with China’s forceful stance in mind. Tensions have been high over China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea and repeated intrusions into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands.
Institutionalizing Cooperation
Kihara, Austin, and Shin had agreed to institutionalize trilateral security cooperation during their last meeting in June in Singapore. In June, the three nations conducted a new annual joint military exercise called “Freedom Edge,” covering aerial, naval, and cyber domains in areas including the East China Sea.
US-Japan Defense Cooperation
Yesterday in Tokyo, US Defense Secretary Austin, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and their Japanese counterparts Minoru Kihara and Yoko Kamikawa met to deepen US-Japan defense cooperation. They termed China’s political, economic, and military coercion as the greatest strategic challenge in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Austin announced that US forces in Japan would be reconstituted as a joint force headquarters reporting to the Commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, marking the most significant change to US Forces Japan in 70 years.
Doubts Revealed
Japan -: Japan is a country in East Asia, made up of many islands. It is known for its technology, culture, and history.
US -: The US stands for the United States of America, a large country in North America. It is known for its diverse culture and powerful economy.
South Korea -: South Korea is a country in East Asia, located on the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is famous for its technology, pop culture, and delicious food.
Defense cooperation -: Defense cooperation means countries working together to protect each other and keep their people safe from threats.
China’s assertiveness -: China’s assertiveness refers to China being very confident and strong in its actions, especially in the East and South China seas.
East and South China seas -: The East and South China seas are large bodies of water near China, Japan, and other countries. They are important for trade and have many natural resources.
Memorandum -: A memorandum is a written agreement between countries or organizations to do something together.
Tokyo -: Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. It is one of the largest and most advanced cities in the world.
Policy consultations -: Policy consultations are meetings where countries discuss and plan their actions and strategies together.
Information-sharing -: Information-sharing means countries exchanging important data and knowledge to help each other.
Joint exercises -: Joint exercises are training activities where military forces from different countries practice working together.
Defense chiefs -: Defense chiefs are the top leaders in charge of a country’s military forces.
Unilateral attempts -: Unilateral attempts are actions taken by one country alone, without agreement from others.
Status quo -: Status quo means the current situation or the way things are right now.
Indo-Pacific waters -: Indo-Pacific waters refer to the large ocean area that includes parts of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
Landmark summit -: A landmark summit is an important meeting between leaders that can lead to significant decisions and changes.
US President Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the current President of the United States. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions.
Camp David -: Camp David is a special retreat for the US President, located in Maryland. It is used for important meetings and relaxation.