Japanese and U.S. defense officials are set to convene in Tokyo on Sunday to discuss strengthening military cooperation between the two countries. The talks will focus on enhancing the command and control of U.S. forces in Japan and increasing American-licensed missile production within Japan to address the growing threat posed by China.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will join Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara for the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, known as “2+2” security talks. The goal is to reaffirm the alliance in light of recent geopolitical developments.
A significant agenda item will be the discussion on enhancing the command and control structures for U.S. forces in Japan by introducing higher-ranked officers with commanding authority. This move aims to streamline joint exercises and operations between the two countries.
In a notable shift, the ministers will address the U.S. commitment to “extended deterrence,” which includes atomic weapons. This marks a departure from Japan’s past reluctance to openly discuss the issue, particularly concerning the country’s unique history as the only nation to have faced nuclear attacks.
Japan has been ramping up its military capabilities and engaging in joint operations with the U.S. and South Korea while also focusing on strengthening its domestic defense industry. Recent efforts include easing arms export restrictions and fulfilling a U.S. request to ship surface-to-air PAC-3 missile interceptors produced in Japan under American license.
The ministers will likely explore ways to further increase Japanese production of PAC-3 interceptors for export to the United States. The two countries have been working closely on arms industry cooperation following an agreement between Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and President Joe Biden earlier this year.
The collaboration between Japan and the U.S. aims to bolster U.S. weapons supply chain resilience and maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region amid ongoing conflicts globally. Japanese officials believe this partnership will not only benefit U.S. defense capabilities but also strengthen Japan’s defense industry.
