Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/ WASHINGTON: Top security authorities from Japan and the US unveiled plans on Wednesday to strengthen the alliance to counter alleged threats from China and North Korea, which they called “the most significant challenge in the region and globally”.
Significance alliance between Japan and US
According to the AP, US Secretary of State Blinken Antony said the agreement reflects the two nations’ effort to deepen cooperation “across all realms,” including space and cybersecurity.
Blinken said that “it is hard to overstate the importance of the Japan-US alliance for more than seven decades,” following the meeting at the State Department. “It’s the cornerstone of stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific, ensuring the security, liberty and prosperity of our people and people across the region.”
The two nations are revising their joint defence posture and planning to raise the military exercises as they confront rising threats from North Korea and a growing presence from China.
Japanese and US foreign and defence ministers have agreed to adjust the American armed force’s presence on the island of Okinawa.
Before the meeting, Japan’s defence ministry announced it was ready to start construction on an uninhabited island where the two military forces could hold joint military exercises.
Wednesday’s discussions would be followed by a meeting on Friday between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
