Stronger US-Japan alliance against China could spell trouble for regional stability, analysts warn
Japan calls on UN to ‘unite’ around rule of law in veiled dig at China
- Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi told a UN meeting the principle of the rule of law ‘never allows any country to rewrite borders by force’
- He also advocated for Security Council reforms, including expanding the body’s permanent and non-permanent seats
Was China the focus of Japan PM Kishida’s whirlwind G7 ‘summit diplomacy’ tour?
The ‘emerging possibility’ of a Taiwan invasion and Russia’s nearly year-old war in Ukraine likely had the Japanese prime minister pressing for the wealthy club of nations to present a united front, analysts say.
The ‘emerging possibility’ of a Taiwan invasion and Russia’s nearly year-old war in Ukraine likely had the Japanese prime minister pressing for the wealthy club of nations to present a united front, analysts say.
US-Japan alliance against China could spell trouble for region: analysts
A month after Japan unveils controversial military strategy, Tokyo and Washington expected to bolster security ties amid tense rivalry with Beijing.
A month after Japan unveils controversial military strategy, Tokyo and Washington expected to bolster security ties amid tense rivalry with Beijing.
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UK, Japan allow two-way troop deployments as China concerns grow
Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Fumio Kishida signed ‘the most significant security agreement between the two countries in more than a century’.
Prime Ministers Rishi Sunak and Fumio Kishida signed ‘the most significant security agreement between the two countries in more than a century’.
US, Japan vow stronger security ties to counter China’s rapid growth
Allies’ foreign ministers and defence chiefs meet in Washington ahead of Biden-Kishida summit as Tokyo embraces hawkish turn.
Allies’ foreign ministers and defence chiefs meet in Washington ahead of Biden-Kishida summit as Tokyo embraces hawkish turn.
China shelves port visas and visa-free transit for Japanese and South Koreans
A day after suspending regular visa applications for travellers from the two countries, Beijing imposes more retaliatory restrictions.
A day after suspending regular visa applications for travellers from the two countries, Beijing imposes more retaliatory restrictions.
Japan and France pledge to deepen Asia-Pacific security ties
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cited security challenges in the South China Sea and East China Sea during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on January 9, 2023, at the start of a week-long overseas trip. Kishida is visiting G7 counterparts in Europe as well in Canada and the US, where he reportedly will bring into focus the Japan-US alliance at a summit in Washington.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cited security challenges in the South China Sea and East China Sea during discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on January 9, 2023, at the start of a week-long overseas trip. Kishida is visiting G7 counterparts in Europe as well in Canada and the US, where he reportedly will bring into focus the Japan-US alliance at a summit in Washington.
Japan to expand island military base near Taiwan after China’s missile drills
In August, Chinese missiles fell near Yonaguni island – which is 110km from Taiwan – after PLA units conducted exercises following then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.
In August, Chinese missiles fell near Yonaguni island – which is 110km from Taiwan – after PLA units conducted exercises following then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei.
China-Japan ties: past the point of no return amid Tokyo’s military build-up?
China undoubtedly sees hostility in Japan’s plans to massively boost defence spending, say analysts, warning ‘a reciprocal quid pro quo’ may be required for the two to maintain a ‘mutually beneficial yet awkward relationship’.
China undoubtedly sees hostility in Japan’s plans to massively boost defence spending, say analysts, warning ‘a reciprocal quid pro quo’ may be required for the two to maintain a ‘mutually beneficial yet awkward relationship’.
Japan minister says bringing China into WTO ‘increased’ geopolitical risks
Economy and trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said giving WTO memberships to China and Russia did not result in a ‘peaceful world’.
Economy and trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said giving WTO memberships to China and Russia did not result in a ‘peaceful world’.
Japanese official signals that Tokyo will join US in chip ban against China
Japan must ‘address the misuse of critical and emerging technologies by malicious actors’, trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura says in Washington.
Japan must ‘address the misuse of critical and emerging technologies by malicious actors’, trade minister Yasutoshi Nishimura says in Washington.
Chinese drone passes Japanese islands, spurring Tokyo to scramble jets
Unmanned aerial vehicle circles past Okinawa and Miyakojima in what observers say is likely a response to Japan’s new defence strategy and closer ties with US.
Unmanned aerial vehicle circles past Okinawa and Miyakojima in what observers say is likely a response to Japan’s new defence strategy and closer ties with US.
Letters | Japan’s military build-up runs counter to Asia’s peace and prosperity
Readers discuss what Japan’s departure from pacifism means to Asia, and wonder what the Year of the Rabbit holds for Ukraine.
Readers discuss what Japan’s departure from pacifism means to Asia, and wonder what the Year of the Rabbit holds for Ukraine.
Japan defence stance sours mood ahead of foreign minister’s China trip
The Japanese diplomat’s visit to Beijing comes hard on the heels of Tokyo’s biggest policy shift since World War II.
The Japanese diplomat’s visit to Beijing comes hard on the heels of Tokyo’s biggest policy shift since World War II.
Japan urged to root out secret Chinese ‘police stations’ amid spying concerns
The unofficial facilities have sparked alarm among Japanese lawmakers, who describe them as a national security concern and spy threat.
The unofficial facilities have sparked alarm among Japanese lawmakers, who describe them as a national security concern and spy threat.
Japan approves major defence build-up citing China threat
Japan
announced its biggest defence build-up in decades on December 16, 2022,
after labelling China as the “greatest strategic challenge ever” to the
country’s security. The Japanese government plans to raise its defence
spending to 2% of its GDP by 2027, funding initiatives that include
acquiring new missiles to target enemy launch sites.
Japan
announced its biggest defence build-up in decades on December 16, 2022,
after labelling China as the “greatest strategic challenge ever” to the
country’s security. The Japanese government plans to raise its defence
spending to 2% of its GDP by 2027, funding initiatives that include
acquiring new missiles to target enemy launch sites.
China-friendly Japanese minister to ‘explain’ defence policy changes to Wang Yi
Conservatives in Japan are concerned that Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi will be ‘swayed’ on defence issues during his trip to Beijing, given his political and business ties to China.
Conservatives in Japan are concerned that Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi will be ‘swayed’ on defence issues during his trip to Beijing, given his political and business ties to China.
US officials hail Japan’s strategy shifts as good for Indo-Pacific stability
Citing China’s perceived threat, Japan’s cabinet approves new defence and national security strategies and effectively doubles the planned security budget.
Citing China’s perceived threat, Japan’s cabinet approves new defence and national security strategies and effectively doubles the planned security budget.
China and Japan in talks for trip by Japanese foreign minister
Yoshimasa Hayashi could become Tokyo’s first top diplomat to visit since 2019.
Yoshimasa Hayashi could become Tokyo’s first top diplomat to visit since 2019.
A long overdue move? Japan upgrades China to a defence ‘threat’
A revised version of Tokyo’s National Security Strategy refers to China as ‘a threat’, rather than ‘an issue of concern’, for the first time – coinciding with a big increase in defence spending.
A revised version of Tokyo’s National Security Strategy refers to China as ‘a threat’, rather than ‘an issue of concern’, for the first time – coinciding with a big increase in defence spending.
Memorial ceremony in China honours victims of Nanking massacre
China marked the 85th anniversary of the Nanking massacre in the lead-up to World War II, with a national memorial ceremony on December 13, 2022. In 1937, Japanese troops invaded the city of Nanking, now known byas Nanjing. For over six weeks, nearly 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers were murdered, according to statistics maintained by Beijing, although Tokyo has disputed that death toll.
China marked the 85th anniversary of the Nanking massacre in the lead-up to World War II, with a national memorial ceremony on December 13, 2022. In 1937, Japanese troops invaded the city of Nanking, now known as Nanjing. For over six weeks, nearly 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers were murdered, according to statistics maintained by Beijing, although Tokyo has disputed that death toll.
Security commitments, Taiwan on agenda for US official’s visit to Japan
US assistant secretary of state Daniel Kritenbrink to arrive in Tokyo after visits to Seoul and Beijing, as part of groundwork for Antony Blinken’s trip to China in early 2023.
US assistant secretary of state Daniel Kritenbrink to arrive in Tokyo after visits to Seoul and Beijing, as part of groundwork for Antony Blinken’s trip to China in early 2023.
Japan to join US effort to tighten chip exports to China
Together with a similar move by the Netherlands, this would represent a near total blockade of China’s ability to buy gear for making advanced semiconductors.
Together with a similar move by the Netherlands, this would represent a near total blockade of China’s ability to buy gear for making advanced semiconductors.
‘Grim reality’ of China threat reason to raise military budget: Japan lawmaker
During a visit to Taiwan, Koichi Hagiuda, the LDP’s policy chief pointed to China’s massive increase in military spending, as well as North Korean missile tests, as reasons for Japan to raise its defence budget.
During a visit to Taiwan, Koichi Hagiuda, the LDP’s policy chief pointed to China’s massive increase in military spending, as well as North Korean missile tests, as reasons for Japan to raise its defence budget.
Ukraine war, Taiwan tensions boost Japanese support for doubling of defence budget
The Japanese government’s decision to increase its defence budget and upgrade the country’s weapons systems had been criticised by Beijing.
The Japanese government’s decision to increase its defence budget and upgrade the country’s weapons systems had been criticised by Beijing.
China urges Japan to shun provocations over history or Taiwan
Ties have been tested in recent years over Tokyo’s tilt to key ally the United States, and a tendency to side with Taiwan on cross-strait issues.
Ties have been tested in recent years over Tokyo’s tilt to key ally the United States, and a tendency to side with Taiwan on cross-strait issues.
Xi’s visit to Japan ‘invaluable strategic driving force’ for ties: envoy
Kong Xuanyou, China’s ambassador to Japan, said that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are likely to ‘recover at a full scale in the near future’.
Kong Xuanyou, China’s ambassador to Japan, said that people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are likely to ‘recover at a full scale in the near future’.
South Korea, Japan scramble jets in response to Chinese, Russian warplanes
Both countries’ militaries reported two Chinese H-6 bombers nearing their airspace on Wednesday. Russia admitted carrying out joint patrols with China over the waters of the Japanese and East China Seas.
Both countries’ militaries reported two Chinese H-6 bombers nearing their airspace on Wednesday. Russia admitted carrying out joint patrols with China over the waters of the Japanese and East China Seas.
China seeks economic cooperation with Japan, welcomes investment, Li says
During speech to business leaders, Chinese premier stresses role of respect, equal treatment and ‘sound and stable’ ties in regional development.
During speech to business leaders, Chinese premier stresses role of respect, equal treatment and ‘sound and stable’ ties in regional development.
Japan joining Aukus: the ‘logical choice’, but would it be a full partner?
Even Chinese state media concedes that a ‘Jaukus’ alliance is likely to happen sooner or later. There are still unresolved issues surrounding the transfer of sensitive technologies, however – not to mention that submarine deal.
Even Chinese state media concedes that a ‘Jaukus’ alliance is likely to happen sooner or later. There are still unresolved issues surrounding the transfer of sensitive technologies, however – not to mention that submarine deal.
Japan to buy missiles that can hit China under $320bn defence plan
The country is set to become the world’s third biggest military spender amid rising tensions with Beijing
Japan is to deploy missiles which could strike bases in China, Russia and North Korea in its biggest military build-up since the Second World War....
Biden-Kishida summit to harden Japan's militarism
U.S. President Joe Biden (L), and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (R) attend the Japan-U.S.-Australia-India Fellowship Founding Celebration event in Tokyo, Japan, May 24, 2022. /CFP
Editor's note: Bradley Blankenship is a Prague-based American journalist, political analyst and freelance reporter. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
"Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida embarked on a weeklong, five-country sojourn to Europe and North America, which is capped off on January 13 with a summit in Washington with U.S. President Joe Biden. Along his European leg, Kishida restored security ties with the European Union and Britain as his country looks to break away from its pacifist past to assert a more aggressive military stance in the Asia-Pacific.
Accordingly, the meeting with Biden that will be preceded by discussions between the two sides' top defense and diplomatic representatives. It's anticipated that Tokyo will underscore how the two allies can integrate closer under Japan's controversial new security and defense strategies, which have endured intense skepticism from the Japanese public. For Washington, this would be a welcomed development as Tokyo seeks to ramp up competition with China and boost Japan's defense sector, which is set to profit from it.
✓ To sum up Japan's plans, Tokyo wants to deploy long-range cruise missiles in 2026 that are capable of reaching targets in China, as well as double its annual defense budget within five years to about 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and expand the country's military capabilities overall. For Washington, the U.S. is mulling over establishing a joint command with the East Asian country and integrating operations.
✓ Another essential agenda item will be Okinawa, where the U.S. has a large military post of marines that locals have long expressed displeasure over. The two sides are expected to agree on a joint statement on an adjustment, such as a reduction but optimization, of troop levels in the prefecture. It should also include language about the two country's mutual defense treaty, including the Pentagon's new Space Force and Space Command.
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"I believe (talks with Biden) will be a precious opportunity to confirm our close cooperation in further strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and our endeavor together toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kishida told reporters ahead of his departure, pointing to a shared vision the two countries having in pushing back against China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific.
People gather in front of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's office to protest against the government's plan to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities, Tokyo, Japan, December 9, 2022. /CFP
A statement by the White House suggests that much will be discussed on the table, from climate change to technology, as well as concerns over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's weapons programs, the situation in Ukraine and "maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits." But the central theme is straightforward: Assisting Tokyo in breaking away from its pacifist commitments and hastening the militarization of the Asia-Pacific region in a bid to contain China.
✓✓ This disastrous development will deteriorate Asia-Pacific security and betrays the interests of regional residents, including the Japanese. For instance, a Kyodo News poll published on December 18, 2022, found that 64.9 percent of respondents disapproved of the ruling coalition's plan to subsidize defense spending with higher taxes. And the same poll found that Kishida's Cabinet saw a support rate of just 33.1 percent and disapproval rating of 51.5 percent.
✓✓ Regarding increased defense spending regardless of taxation, 53.6 percent of respondents opposed it while only 39 percent said they favored the move. In an accompanying telephone poll, 87.1 percent of respondents felt that Kishida had failed to explain the new tax hikes while only a tiny 7.2 percent were satisfied with his description. Nonetheless, 50.3 percent approved of expanding the nation's counterstrike capabilities while 42.6 percent disapproved – which shows that it's deeply polarizing for the public.
In fact, every major U.S. Asian partner had long resisted hosting U.S. long-range missiles precisely, since it is an unnecessary provocation aimed at China. Yet it has been the fantasy of the U.S. military-industrial complex for many years, with their armies of lobbyists and "experts" push for it relentlessly. The Kishida government has caved despite how at odds it is with Japan's pacifist commitments in the post-war period.
Inevitably, only the Washington elite, in their co-conspiratorial role with Tokyo's neo-fascist current, stand to benefit from this. Japan's new so-called defense strategy will usher in chaos to the Asia-Pacific region and is a handout to this same bloodthirsty cabal that seeks to contain China's prosperity while robbing the American people blind.
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)
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Editor's note: Bradley Blankenship is a Prague-based American journalist, political analyst and freelance reporter. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida embarked on a weeklong, five-country sojourn to Europe and North America, which is capped off on January 13 with a summit in Washington with U.S. President Joe Biden. Along his European leg, Kishida restored security ties with the European Union and Britain as his country looks to break away from its pacifist past to assert a more aggressive military stance in the Asia-Pacific.
Accordingly, the meeting with Biden that will be preceded by discussions between the two sides' top defense and diplomatic representatives. It's anticipated that Tokyo will underscore how the two allies can integrate closer under Japan's controversial new security and defense strategies, which have endured intense skepticism from the Japanese public. For Washington, this would be a welcomed development as Tokyo seeks to ramp up competition with China and boost Japan's defense sector, which is set to profit from it.
To sum up Japan's plans, Tokyo wants to deploy long-range cruise missiles in 2026 that are capable of reaching targets in China, as well as double its annual defense budget within five years to about 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and expand the country's military capabilities overall. For Washington, the U.S. is mulling over establishing a joint command with the East Asian country and integrating operations.
Another essential agenda item will be Okinawa, where the U.S. has a large military post of marines that locals have long expressed displeasure over. The two sides are expected to agree on a joint statement on an adjustment, such as a reduction but optimization, of troop levels in the prefecture. It should also include language about the two country's mutual defense treaty, including the Pentagon's new Space Force and Space Command.
"I believe (talks with Biden) will be a precious opportunity to confirm our close cooperation in further strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and our endeavor together toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kishida told reporters ahead of his departure, pointing to a shared vision the two countries having in pushing back against China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific.
People gather in front of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's office to protest against the government's plan to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities, Tokyo, Japan, December 9, 2022. /CFP
People gather in front of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's office to protest against the government's plan to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities, Tokyo, Japan, December 9, 2022. /CFP
A statement by the White House suggests that much will be discussed on the table, from climate change to technology, as well as concerns over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's weapons programs, the situation in Ukraine and "maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits." But the central theme is straightforward: Assisting Tokyo in breaking away from its pacifist commitments and hastening the militarization of the Asia-Pacific region in a bid to contain China.
This disastrous development will deteriorate Asia-Pacific security and betrays the interests of regional residents, including the Japanese. For instance, a Kyodo News poll published on December 18, 2022, found that 64.9 percent of respondents disapproved of the ruling coalition's plan to subsidize defense spending with higher taxes. And the same poll found that Kishida's Cabinet saw a support rate of just 33.1 percent and disapproval rating of 51.5 percent.
Regarding increased defense spending regardless of taxation, 53.6 percent of respondents opposed it while only 39 percent said they favored the move. In an accompanying telephone poll, 87.1 percent of respondents felt that Kishida had failed to explain the new tax hikes while only a tiny 7.2 percent were satisfied with his description. Nonetheless, 50.3 percent approved of expanding the nation's counterstrike capabilities while 42.6 percent disapproved – which shows that it's deeply polarizing for the public.
In fact, every major U.S. Asian partner had long resisted hosting U.S. long-range missiles precisely, since it is an unnecessary provocation aimed at China. Yet it has been the fantasy of the U.S. military-industrial complex for many years, with their armies of lobbyists and "experts" push for it relentlessly. The Kishida government has caved despite how at odds it is with Japan's pacifist commitments in the post-war period.
Inevitably, only the Washington elite, in their co-conspiratorial role with Tokyo's neo-fascist current, stand to benefit from this. Japan's new so-called defense strategy will usher in chaos to the Asia-Pacific region and is a handout to this same bloodthirsty cabal that seeks to contain China's prosperity while robbing the American people blind.
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)
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