U.S. and Japan Strengthen Military Ties in Response to China's Threats

The U.S. and Japan have announced steps to strengthen their military alliance, including establishing joint forces under the U.S. Indo-Pacific command and increasing the co-production of air-to-air and air defense missiles.

Top officials, such as Blinken and Austin, have held a 2+2 dialogue, reaffirming their opposition to China's attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East/South China Seas. The Philippines and Japan have recently signed a landmark defense pact, with speculation that the U.S. has played a role in orchestrating these security agreements as a bulwark against Beijing's growing influence in the region.

Manila and Tokyo are part of a broader regional trend of like-minded partners working together on common security issues. These agreements aim to strengthen defense capabilities and enhance military ties, while the U.S. seeks to maintain its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.