The U.S., Japan, and Australia are set to establish a collaborative air defense network, as President Biden and the Japanese prime minister announced on Wednesday. This strategic move involves the implementation of various initiatives aimed at strengthening defense and intelligence collaboration between the two nations.
During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the White House Rose Garden, Mr. Biden expressed the importance of the defense security cooperation between our countries. He highlighted the significant steps being taken to strengthen this cooperation, including the modernization of command and control structures, the increased interoperability and planning of our militaries, and the establishment of a network of air missile and defense architecture. Mr. Biden emphasized that these efforts constitute the most significant upgrade in our alliance since its inception.
AUKUS, the trilateral defense partnership between the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., is currently considering the possibility of Japan joining their efforts, according to President Biden.
Amid growing concerns about China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific and worldwide, Kishida, on his inaugural state visit as prime minister, made these announcements during his visit to Washington this week.
“Our alliance with Japan is solely focused on defense,” stated Mr. Biden. “It is a defensive alliance, and our discussions today aim to enhance our cooperation and readiness in this area. This alliance is not directed at any specific nation or intended as a threat to the region. It is completely unrelated to any conflict.”
In addition to his other announcements, Mr. Biden shared that future American space missions will include two Japanese astronauts. Notably, one of these astronauts will have the historic distinction of being the first non-American to land on the moon’s surface.
President Biden and Kishida had a meeting at the White House on Wednesday, followed by a joint press conference. To honor the longstanding relationship between the United States and Japan, the Bidens are hosting a state dinner in honor of the Japanese leader on Wednesday night.
“President Eisenhower once expressed his desire to create an unbreakable alliance between our nations,” remarked Mr. Biden. “Now, the world can witness the realization of that goal as our partnership stands as an indomitable force.”
According to senior administration officials, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Japanese counterpart will collaborate in the coming months to finalize the specifics of an upgraded military alliance. The United States anticipates Japan taking on a substantial responsibility in the production of additional military and defense equipment.
With the inclusion of Philippines President Bongbong Marcos in the three-way summit on Thursday, the objective of this week’s meetings between the U.S. and the Asian nations has become evident: emphasizing the importance of global coordination in response to escalating hostility from China in the region.
In recent weeks, China has been involved in maritime incidents in the South China Sea with the Philippines. During these encounters, the Chinese Coast Guard used water guns to target Filipino vessels.
According to U.S. officials, the Philippines remains undeterred by this hostility. They emphasize that it is China, not the Philippines, that finds itself isolated in the three-way Washington summit this week.
U.S. officials have acknowledged that Japan has made significant progress in safeguarding highly sensitive intelligence information. However, they also emphasized the need for further improvements before Japan can meet the necessary requirements for potential membership in the Five Eyes intelligence network. This international alliance, comprising the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, is seen by Japanese security experts as a valuable measure to enhance defense against China’s provocative actions. Despite the progress made, there is still work to be done to ensure Japan’s information security reaches the desired level.
As part of their upcoming announcement this week, the United States and Japan are expected to unveil a 70-point plan, which includes a set of high-level objectives.
Japan has made a lighthearted promise to replace numerous beloved cherry blossom trees in the Tidal Basin area by offering saplings. In fact, the Japanese prime minister was set to kick off this initiative by personally planting some of these saplings at a special ceremony on the National Mall on Wednesday.
Officials have announced several new initiatives, including a “major” lunar agreement, increased university research, and a scholarship program for U.S. high school students to participate in exchange study programs with Japanese schools.
According to U.S. officials, the U.S.-Japan alliance serves as a testament to President Biden’s belief in greater engagement with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, which in turn promotes increased cooperation on a global scale. A senior administration official noted that Japan’s focus was previously limited to its own “perimeter,” but in recent times, the country has actively supported Ukraine, imposed sanctions on Russia, and become more involved in the affairs of the Middle East.
According to a U.S. official, Japan stands by our side whenever the American purpose is challenged.
