The Strongest US - Japan Relations Since World War II

China's strengthening presence in the region, both in the economic and military fields, has sparked strengthening security cooperation.

AFP / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS

US President, Joe Biden, together with First Lady, Jill Biden, welcomed Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, and his wife, Yuko Kishida, on the south portico of the White House in Washington DC, United States on Tuesday (9/4). (Andrew Caballero - Reynolds/AFP)

WASHINGTON, Wednesday - President of the United States Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida revealed a strategic plan of military cooperation and various projects from missiles to moon landing during their meeting on Wednesday (10/4/2024) evening. This step strengthens the US-Japan relationship while balancing the growth of China-Russia.

In a joint press conference at the White House, Biden and Kishida revealed that they also discussed the issues of Gaza, Israel, Ukraine-Russia, North Korea, and a number of other important things.

Also read: US-Japan-Philippines Meeting, New Indo-Pacific Security Architecture

"This is a meeting that agrees to enhance fundamental cooperation since the establishment of this relationship," said Biden after holding a two-hour bilateral meeting with Kishida. Apart from that issue, they discuss tensions in the Indo-Pacific and China's actions in the region.

AFP) OLIVIER DOULIERY

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, were welcomed with a military ceremony after landing at Andrews Military Airbase in Maryland, United States, on Monday (8/4/2024).

Japan became an ally of the US after being defeated in World War II. Since then, the United States has assisted in restructuring Japan and has maintained military bases in Japan to this day.

The US and its allies, including Japan, are strengthening their military posture to contain what they call China's threats in the South China Sea and East China Sea, including the Taiwan issue.

Also read: Xi Receives Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing

Regarding the Taiwan issue, Kishida stated that the two leaders discussed tensions between Taiwan and China. Kishida emphasized that Japan will uphold international rules. According to Kishida, any unilateral action to change the status quo of Taiwan with violence is unacceptable. The US and Japan will respond to such actions, including with a hard stance towards China.

As for Joe Biden, he asserted that the US will continue to maintain communication channels with China and stated that the US-Japan alliance is only for the purpose of defense. President Biden also called President Xi Jinping last week.

Defense

A press conference with Biden-Kishida has turned two former enemies from World War II into the closest allies since their cooperation after the war.

Also read: ASEAN+3 Needs to Be Aware of Surprises That Could Disrupt Regional Momentum

Joe Biden stated that the US military will collaborate to create a joint command structure with Australia. They will establish a joint air defense missile system. The US also announced that Japanese astronauts will be involved in NASA's mission to the moon.

AP

Archive - A F-35 fighter jet of the Vermont Air National Guard is parked at a military base at Skopje Airport, North Macedonia on June 17, 2022. Japan's defense spending will soar 20 percent to a record 6.8 trillion yen or 55 billion U.S. dollars next year as Japan prepares to deploy US-made Tomahawk missiles and other long-range cruise missiles that can reach targets in China or North Korea.

Overall, the US and Japan agreed on 70 types of defense cooperation, including efforts to improve the US military's command structure in Japan so that it can better cooperate with Japan in times of crisis.

Japan, as the US's main ally in Asia, is becoming more aggressive in the global stage after amending its anti-war constitution. Kishida is scheduled to give a speech at the US Congress on Thursday local time.

Also read: US-Japan-Philippines Meeting, New Indo-Pacific Security Architecture

Next, Biden and Kishida will hold a trilateral meeting with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. As reported, the main issue they will discuss is the security issue in the South China Sea region.

AFP/VARIOUS SOURCES

A combined photo shows the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr (left), the US President, Joe Biden (middle), and the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida (right).

A meeting between three heads of state took place as China increased its pressure on the Philippines in the South China Sea. China, according to a US official, is said to be attempting to isolate Japan and the Philippines.

On the other hand, there are currently US military bases around China. These military bases are located in Japan, South Korea, Guam, and Singapore. In the recent agreement with the Philippines, the US military can access a number of Philippine military bases.

Chinese Coast Guard has been repeatedly involved in incidents with logistics supply ships to the Philippines' outermost positions in disputed waters in the South China Sea. Japan has also faced attacks in disputed waters near the Senkaku, a chain of uninhabited islands controlled by Japan in the East China Sea.

AFP/JAM STA ROSA

A Chinese Coast Guard ship (left) and a Philippine Coast Guard ship (right) were seen near Thitu Island in the disputed South China Sea, on Friday (12/1/2023).

Don McLain Gill, a geopolitical analyst based in the Philippines, told Deutsche Welle (DW) that the trilateral meeting this week could be for building a separate security system with a smaller US leadership. Traditionally, the Philippines and Japan as strategic partners operate within the US-centric framework.

Economy

Besides the security issue, the trilateral meeting will also highlight economic issues. The Strait Times reported that the Philippines is eyeing investment agreements worth up to 100 billion US dollars from the trilateral meeting with the US and Japan.

"We are talking about 100 billion US dollars in the next five to ten years," said the Philippine Ambassador to the US, Jose Manual Romualdez, as quoted in a statement from the Presidential Communication Office.

FRANCK ROBICHON/POOL PHOTO VIA AP, FILE

Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, welcomed President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, at the official residence of the Prime Minister of Japan in Tokyo on Sunday (12/17/2023).

Before departing Manila on Wednesday, Marcos said he will highlight the importance of increasing economic cooperation with Japan and the US in order to advance economic and security resilience. PNA reported that Marcos wants to explore ways to enhance cooperation, especially in the areas of critical infrastructure, semiconductors, digitization, cyber security, crucial minerals, renewable energy, as well as maritime and defense cooperation.

Following the meeting this week, US officials stated that Biden will try to reverse the situation and avoid isolating China. Meanwhile, Kishida's visit is seen as a way to boost his image at home, as it is currently declining in Japan.

Likewise in the Philippines, the popularity level of President Marcos Junior and Vice President Sara Duterte also declined. The level of public trust in Marcos is currently recorded at 55 and 57 percent. At the end of last year it was still around 60 percent. (AFP/Reuters)