US, South Korea Revise Deterrence Plans Over North Korean Missile And Nuclear Threats

 

Reuters: US, South Korea revise deterrence strategy, boost drills over North Korea threat 

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea and the United States on Monday revised a bilateral security agreement aimed at deterring North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats, and vowed to maintain pressure on Pyongyang despite global distractions. 

 The Tailored Deterrence Strategy (TDS) is aimed at countering North Korea's nuclear weapons and other arms, according to an announcement on the agreement by the two countries 10 years ago. South Korea's Defence Minister Shin Won-sik and his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, signed the updated agreement at the security talks in Seoul, the defence ministry said. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Japan is also getting involved .... Japan, U.S. and South Korea to share missile-warning data from next month (Japan Times). More here .... S. Korea, US, Japan to launch high-level cyber consultation group (Korea Times). 

US, South Korea Revise Deterrence Plans Over North Korean Missile And Nuclear Threats  

US and South Korea sharpen deterrence plans over North Korean nuclear threat -- AP  

S. Korea, US revise deterrence agreement to counter North Korea -- AFP  

US, South Korea Sharpen Deterrence Plans Over North Korean Nuclear Threat -- VOA  

S. Korea, U.S. defense chiefs discuss 'tailored deterrence strategy' on N. Korea -- Yonhap News Agency  

Japan, U.S. and South Korea to share missile-warning data from next month -- Japan Times

White House Says US, South Korea And Japan To Deepen Military And Economic Ties At Camp David Summit

 

Newsweek: U.S., South Korea, Japan to Enter New Security Pact at Camp David Summit 

The United States has agreed to new security ties with Japan and South Korea in a historic trilateral pact aimed at countering threats from China and North Korea, according to a senior Biden administration official. 

President Joe Biden will announce the new security framework with South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a trilateral summit Friday at Camp David, the presidential retreat that has served for decades as the site for high-profile summits between the U.S. and key partners around the world.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is responding to this summit .... China blasts US-Japan-South Korea summit, warns of 'contradictions and increasing tensions' (AP). More here .... China warns of ‘increasing tensions’ ahead of US-Japan-South Korea summit (The Hill).  

Update: I am also not expecting this .... U.S.-Japan-South Korea Summit: Don’t Expect an ‘Asian NATO’ (Time). 

White House Says US, South Korea And Japan To Deepen Military And Economic Ties At Camp David Summit  

US hails ‘new era’ of Asia Pacific relations as Biden hosts historic summit with Japan and South Korea – live -- The Guardian  

US, South Korea and Japan to deepen military and economic ties at Camp David summit -- Reuters  

US announces new multiyear military exercise plan with Japan, South Korea ahead of summit -- FOX News  

Camp David Trilateral Summit Cements US-Japan-ROK 'Commitment to Consult' in a Crisis -- VOA  

US-Japan-ROK to make ‘pledge’ to consult each other in security crises -- Breaking Defense

US President Biden To Host Japan, South Korea Leaders At Camp David Tomorrow

 

CNN: Biden turns to Camp David diplomacy for first-ever trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea  

President Joe Biden is using the presidential retreat at Camp David to help with a diplomatic mission – hosting the first-ever trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea, two countries that are putting aside a fraught history in the face of shared security challenges.

Biden’s summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is meant to serve as a show of force as the countries grapple with persistent provocative behavior from North Korea. It also comes as the president has sought to deepen ties with allies in the Indo-Pacific amid concerns about a rising China.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: China's position on this summit is clear .... US-Japan-South Korea summit to form 'destructive' mini NATO structure (Global Times). 

As to what is my take. 

This is all about optics. American media and the US foreign policy establishment are playing up this summit as a big event for President Biden. But I predict the only substantive thing that will be coming out of this summit will be a hotline .... U.S., Japan, South Korea to work toward security hotline at summit (Nikkei Asia). More here .... Biden to broker crisis hotline with Japan, South Korea (Axios). 

US President Biden To Host Japan, South Korea Leaders At Camp David Tomorrow  

Biden nods to Camp David history by inviting Yoon, Kishida -- Reuters 

Biden will use Camp David backdrop hoping to broker a breakthrough in Japan-South Korea relations -- AP

US promises ‘new era’ as Biden prepares to host first summit with Japan and South Korea -- The Guardian  

US summit seen as potential milestone for Japan, South Korea relations: ANALYSIS -- ABC News 

At Camp David, Biden looks to cement a fragile truce -- Politico  

At Camp David, Biden aims to nudge Japan and South Korea toward greater unity in complicated Pacific -- The Hill  

America’s Window of Opportunity in Asia -- Foreign Affairs

U.S., Japan, And South Korea To Announce Deeper Defense Cooperation At Camp David Summit

United States President Joe Biden with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the Group of Seven Summit in Hiroshima in May. PHOTO: AFP 

Reuters: US, South Korea, Japan to launch new defence steps at Camp David: Officials 

WASHINGTON – The United States, Japan and South Korea will launch a series of joint initiatives on technology, education and defence when the countries’ leaders gather at Camp David on Friday, according to senior US administration officials, amid mounting shared concerns about China. 

While the summit is unlikely to produce a formal security arrangement that commits the nations to each others’ defence, they will agree to mutual understanding about regional responsibilities and set up a three-way hotline to communicate in times of crisis, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. 

US President Joe Biden invited Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to the storied presidential retreat in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains as the Asian nations work to mend their tattered diplomatic relations in the face of greater regional threats posed both by China’s rise and North Korea.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is closely watching this summit .... US, Japan, S.Korea boosting military tie-up 'destructive to regional peace (Global Times). More here .... ‘High alert’: China watching closely as US, Japan, S Korea aim for ‘Asian Nato’ (SCMP). 

U.S., Japan, And South Korea To Announce Deeper Defense Cooperation At Camp David Summit  

US, Japan, South Korea to announce deeper defense cooperation at Camp David summit -- AP

South Korea president calls for deeper security cooperation with US ahead of summit -- The Hill  

Korea, US, Japan to discuss security cooperation at trilateral summit -- Korea Herald 

U.S., Japan and South Korea to agree on annual three-way summits -- Japan Times  

U.S., Japan and South Korea to discuss crisis hotline at Camp David summit -- Axios

US President Biden To Host Japan, South Korea Leaders For Aug. 18 Summit At Camp David

U.S. President Joe Biden, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol attend a photo op on the day of trilateral engagement during the G7 Summit at the Grand Prince Hotel in Hiroshima, Japan, May 21, 2023. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo  

Reuters: Biden to Host Japan, South Korea Leaders for Aug. 18 Summit -White House 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol for a trilateral summit at Camp David in Maryland on Aug. 18, the White House said on Friday.

"The three leaders will discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond – including to address the continued threat posed by (North Korea) and to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the Pacific Islands," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. 

Washington is keen to encourage closer cooperation with its two main allies in Asia amid shared concerns about China's growing might and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China, the Russia - Ukraine war, Taiwan, national security, and trade will be the topics that will be discussed.

US President Biden To Host Japan, South Korea Leaders For Aug. 18 Summit At Camp David  

President Biden to host the leaders of Japan and South Korea for an August summit at Camp David -- AP  

Biden to meet with leaders of South Korea and Japan at Camp David -- CNN 

Biden seeks to deepen ties with South Korea and Japan with Camp David summit -- The Hill

U.S. announces trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea -- Japan Times

National Security Advisers Of The US, Japan And The Philippines Have Agreed To Strengthen Security Ties

US White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who traveled to Japan for a meeting with his counterparts from Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, is accompanied by US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel as he leaves the prime minister's office after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday. Reuters-Yonhap  

Reuters: U.S., Japan, Philippines Discuss S China Sea, North Korea 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The national security advisers of the United States, Japan and the Philippines on Friday discussed regional security issues and ways to strengthen the trilateral alliance, they said in a joint statement. 

It was the first meeting between White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his counterparts, Akiba Takeo of Japan and Eduardo Ano of the Philippines. 

 "The three (advisers) discussed a wide range of regional security challenges, including with respect to the South China Sea and the East China Sea, as well as North Korea.

In addition, they reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," the joint statement said. 

Read more .... 

Update: US, Japan, Philippines agree to strengthen security ties amid tensions over China, North Korea (AP)  

WNU Editor: The U.S. has started to deploy some key assets .... A US nuclear-powered sub arrives in South Korea, a day after North Korea resumes its missile tests (AP).

U.S., Philippines, Japan To Hold First-Ever Joint Coast Guard Exercise

U.S. cutter arrives at Manila port for joint coast guard drills  

Bloomberg: US, Japan, Philippines to Hold Drills Amid China Tensions 

The US will hold joint exercises with Coast Guards from Japan and the Philippines for the first time starting this week amid elevated tensions with China in the region. 

The trilateral drills will be done off Bataan province that’s facing the South China Sea from June 1 to 7, according to a Philippine Coast Guard statement Monday. The exercises will “strengthen interoperability” and will include maritime law enforcement training and maneuvering drills, it said. 

The exercises are unrelated to Manila’s sea dispute with Beijing, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Armand Balilo told reporters. “This is a routine exercise between Coast Guards,” he said, adding that the US and Japan both requested the joint drills. 

Read more .... 

U.S., Philippines, Japan To Hold First-Ever Joint Coast Guard Exercise  

Philippines, U.S., Japan to hold first-ever joint coast guard exercise -- Reuters  

Philippines, U.S., Japan coast guards to hold first joint drills -- Nikkei Asia  

PCG to hold joint drills with US, Japan coast guards off Bataan -- Philstar

U.S. President Biden Reiterates To Japanese PM Kishida That Japan Is Protected By America's Nuclear Umbrella

US President Joe Biden (L) and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida meet in Hiroshima on May 18, 2023, ahead of the G7 summit. © Kiyoshi Ota / POOL / AFP  

RT: In Hiroshima, Biden promises Japan nuclear umbrella 

The US president met with Japanese PM Kishida ahead of the G7 summit 

The US will defend Japan with atomic weapons if necessary, the Japanese government announced on Thursday, citing the readout of a meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The discussion took place in the city of Hiroshima, infamously destroyed by a US nuclear bomb in 1945.

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry .... 

.... President Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan under the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, backed by the full range of capabilities, including nuclear. 

The above promised US nuclear umbrella commitment is from the following minutes .... Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Of Japan).

U.S., South Korea, Japan Hold Missile Defense Drills In Response To Recent North Korean Missile Tests

The United States, South Korea and Japan held trilateral missile defense training in the East Sea Monday, the South Korean navy said. Photo courtesy of Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense  

Reuters: S.Korea, US, Japan hold drills as N.Korea slams US 'nuclear 

SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea, the United States and Japan staged joint naval missile defence exercises on Monday to improve responses to North Korean threats, as Pyongyang accused Washington of ramping up "nuclear blackmail" with military drills. 

The three nations agreed at talks in Washington on Friday to hold regular missile defence and anti-submarine exercises in their efforts to boost diplomatic and military cooperation. 

 North Korea tested a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday that experts say would ease the way for missile launches with little warning, part of an increase in its military activities in recent weeks.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: U.S., South Korea, Japan hold missile defense drills in response to N. Korea (UPI)  

Update #2: US, South Korea and Japan flex missile-defense muscles after North’s latest ICBM test (Stars and Stripes) 

WNU Editor: Here is an easy prediction. After this exercise is over, North Korea is going to continue ignoring these Hotline calls .... Is Kim Jong Un about to go rogue? North Korea goes chillingly silent with Seoul reporting no contact on hotline for a week as rocket test sparks panic in Japan and dictator orders expansion of his nuclear arsenal (Daily Mail).

President Joe Biden And Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Meet For U.S.-Japan Summit At The White House Today

FILE PHOTO: Summit meeting with Quad leaders, in Tokyo © Thomson Reuters  

Reuters: Biden to welcome Kishida and Japan's historic military reforms at White House 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden will welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Friday and is expected to hail what Washington sees as historic plans by Tokyo for a major military buildup in the face of shared concerns about China. 

Kishida is in Washington as the last stop in a tour of countries of the G7 industrial powers. 

His visit follows one by Biden to Tokyo last May and a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of a regional summit in Cambodia in November. 

 U.S. and Japanese foreign and defense ministers met on Wednesday and announced stepped-up security cooperation and the U.S. officials Tokyo's praised military buildup plans.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is watching what Japan is doing very closely .... China-targeting containment looms large in Japan-US alliance as Kishida kicks off visit to 5 G7 nations (Global Times). 

President Joe Biden And Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Meet For U.S.-Japan Summit At The White House Today  

Biden and Kishida to Bolster U.S.-Japan Alliance Amid China’s Growing Power -- New York Times  

Japan PM Kishida and Biden summit talks mark a turning point -- Washington Post  

President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida meet for U.S.-Japan summit -- UPI  

Mr Kishida goes to Washington, bearing gifts -- Asia Times  

Why Japan's Kishida wants stronger military ties with the US -- DW

U.S. And Japan Agree To Strengthen Military Cooperation To Counter Threats From China And North Korea

 

DNYUZ/New York Times: U.S. and Japan Say They Will Strengthen Military Cooperation 

WASHINGTON — U.S. and Japanese officials said on Wednesday that the two nations would expand their military cooperation, including improving Japan’s missile strike capabilities and making the U.S. Marine unit in that country more flexible for potential combat. 

The changes come as both nations perceive greater threatening behavior from China and North Korea, as well as Russia. Those three countries have decades-long partnerships that they have recently affirmed in various settings, despite many nations’ condemnation of Russia over its war in Ukraine.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: The big story is not this growing US - Japan military alliance. The big story is that Japan is now fully committed to becoming a major military power in Asia. 

U.S. And Japan Agree To Strengthen Military Cooperation To Counter Threats From China And North Korea  

US, Japan Unveil Plans to Strengthen the Alliance -- AP  

US and Japan strengthen military relationship with upgraded Marine unit in attempt to deter China -- CNN

Attack from space would trigger collective defence, say US and Japan, amid China fears -- The Guardian  

U.S., Japan announce initiatives to reinforce 'cornerstone' alliance -- UPI  

US, Japan to place anti-ship missiles on Okinawa amid rising China tensions -- FOX News  

US and Japan boost security cooperation -- DW  

US, Japan agree to strengthen security ties amid China worries -- Al Jazeera  

Blinken Says U.S. Applauds Japan's Decision to Double Defense Spending -- US News and World Report

The U.S. And Japan Are Deepening Their Strategic Partnership In An Effort To Counter China

The US and Japanese armed forces are rapidly scaling up combined operations, in anticipation of a possible conflict with China https://t.co/5246UPCLVJ

— Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) January 10, 2023

Washington Post: U.S., Japan set to announce shake-up of Marine Corps units to deter China 

Japan, already Washington’s most important ally in the Indo-Pacific, is deepening its strategic partnership with the United States in an effort to counter China — a development that will be showcased this week with a shake-up of U.S. Marine Corps units in Okinawa and a White House embrace of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. 

Kishida’s visit to Washington comes as his political standing is wavering, his poll approval ratings often below 40 percent, and with President Biden wanting to give a stalwart partner a boost. It comes, too, on the heels of Japan announcing a major hike in defense spending, and a new national security strategy that calls for “counterstrike” or long-range strike capability — enabling it to reach targets in mainland China. 

“The meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida will highlight the pivotal moment we are in for the US-Japan alliance,” White House officials said in a statement to The Post.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This US General is very blunt on why the US is doing this .... Top Marine General In Japan Bluntly Describes US Is "Setting The Theatre" For Future War With China (Zero Hedge).

Biden, Japan's Kishida To Meet At White House On Jan. 13 To Discuss China, North Korea, Russia-Ukraine War, And The Economy

 

DW: Biden to host Kishida to discuss North Korea, China 

The visit comes after Japan recently announced a massive expansion of its defense capabilities in light of China's growing clout in the Indo-Pacific region and security threats posed by North Korea. 

US President Joe Biden is set to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on January 13 to discuss a range of issues related to the economy and security, the White House said Tuesday.  

The two leaders will talk about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, climate change, stability across the Taiwan Strait, North Korea and "a free and open Indo-Pacific," it added. 

The visit comes after Japan recently announced a massive expansion of its defense capabilities in light of China's growing clout in the Indo-Pacific region and security threats posed by North Korea.  

Read more .... 

Biden, Japan's Kishida To Meet At White House On Jan. 13 To Discuss China, North Korea, Russia-Ukraine War, And The Economy 

Biden to host Japan’s Kishida for talks on NKorea, economy -- AP  

Biden, Japan's Kishida to meet at White House on Jan. 13 -- Reuters  

Japan's PM to meet Biden in Washington, visit other G7 allies -- CNA/AFP  

Japan PM Kishida to meet US President Biden at White House next week -- NHK  

Biden to host Japanese Prime Minister Kishida at White House -- UPI  

Japan’s Kishida eyes deeper defense alliance with US -- The Hill

President Biden Says U.S., Japan, And South Korea Are 'More Aligned Than Ever' On North Korea's Behavior

Biden had already met separately with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol – before their joint meeting  

Reuters: Biden says U.S., Japan, South Korea are 'more aligned than ever' on North Korea 

PHNOM PENH (Reuters) -The United States, Japan and South Korea are "more aligned than ever" on North Korea's "provocative behaviour," U.S. President Joe Biden said on Sunday, as his national security adviser promised a joint response if Pyongyang carries out a seventh nuclear test. 

Speaking in Cambodia after a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Biden called their countries "critical allies" that share the United States' concerns about North Korea's missile tests. 

The three leaders issued a joint statement lauding "the unprecedented level of trilateral coordination" they had achieved, and pledged to forge even closer ties, especially in the security realm. 

Biden also underscored the "ironclad" U.S. commitment to defend both allies, the statement said.  

Read more ....  

WNU editor: North korea's threats have gotten South Korea and Japan talking again .... Japan, South Korea hold 1st summit in years with eye on Pyongyang (Nikkei Asian). 

President Biden Says U.S., Japan, And South Korea Are 'More Aligned Than Ever' On North Korea's Behavior  

Biden joins with Japanese and South Korean leaders to condemn North Korean missile launches and to warn Kim Jong-un he will face CONSEQUENCES if he pushes on with a seventh nuclear test as he preps for pivotal meeting with Xi Jinping -- Daily Mail 

U.S., Japan, South Korea vow unified response to North Korea threat -- CBS/AP  

South Korea's Yoon says North Korea's provocations becoming more aggressive -- Reuters 

Japan and US agree to strengthen alliance amid geopolitical tensions -- Reuters  

Biden huddles with Asian allies on North Korea threat, China -- NYPost  

Biden: Partnership with Japan, South Korea ‘more important’ in face of North Korea threat -- The Hill

Senior US Official Says Ready To Protect Asian Allies With A Nuclear Deterrent

(From L) South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun Dong, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Mori and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman pose for photos ahead of talks in Tokyo on Oct. 26, 2022. (Pool photo)(Kyodo)  

VOA: US, South Korea, Japan Vow More Cooperation to Deter North Korea Threat

Seoul, South Korea — The United States, South Korea, and Japan vowed to strengthen cooperation and increase deterrence measures ahead of an expected nuclear test by North Korea. 

The commitment came during a meeting Wednesday in Tokyo between senior leaders from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. 

“We agreed that an unparalleled scale of response would be necessary if North Korea pushes ahead with a seventh nuclear test,” said South Korean Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong. 

North Korea this year has launched a record-high number of missiles, including a ballistic missile that flew over Japan earlier this month.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I always believed that both Japan and South Korea were/are "unofficially" under the US nuclear umbrella. I guess they want to make it official. 

Senior US Official Says Ready To Protect Asian Allies With A Nuclear Deterrent 

US vows full military defense of allies against North Korea -- AP  

North Korea warned of 'unparalleled' response from US, Japan, South Korea if it launches a 7th nuclear test -- FOX News  

US threatens North Korea with nuclear deterrent to protect the South, Japan -- SCMP 

Japan, U.S., South Korea agree to beef up deterrence against North Korea -- Kyodo News 

US Ready To Protect Asian Allies With Nukes, Biden Official Says In Tokyo -- Zero Heddge

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris Visits Japan To Discuss Taiwanese Security Situation. Will Attend Shinzo Abe's Funeral

 

Daily Mail: Kamala Harris lauds alliance with Japan as the 'cornerstone of peace, stability and prosperity' in the region after meeting Japan's Prime Minister this morning to discuss how to defend Taiwan from a Chinese offensive 

* American allies in eastern Asia seeking clarity following mixed messages over whether Biden would send troops to defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion 

* This potential conflict could swiftly engulf the rest of the east Asian region 

* Harris is visiting Japan to discuss security partnership and attend Shinzo Abe's funeral after former Prime Minister was assassinated nearly three months ago 

Vice President Kamala Harris has lauded the alliance between the US and Japan as the 'cornerstone of peace, stability and prosperity' in the Indo-Pacific region following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidi. 

Harris discussed a partnership between the two countries on Taiwan security issues with Kishidi today. 

'The alliance between Japan and the United States is a cornerstone of what we believe is integral to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,' Harris said at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Here comes the photo-op .... Harris to travel to Korea's demilitarized zone, White House confirms (Politico).

Update: China is pessimistic on this trip .... Harris' visit to Japan, S.Korea expected to further escalate tensions in Taiwan Straits, Korean Peninsula: observers (Global Times). 

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris Visits Japan To Discuss Taiwanese Security Situation  

US's Harris, Japan's Kishida condemn China's actions in Taiwan Strait -- Reuters  

VP Kamala Harris visits Japan to discuss Taiwanese security situation: official -- FOX News 

Kamala Harris talks China aggression in Taiwan Strait with Japan's prime minister -- UPI

U.S. Army's Pacific Commander Wants To Keep American Weapons At Frontline Japanese Base

U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General Charles A. Flynn reacts with General Yoshida Yoshihide, Ground Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff at a Ground Self-Defense Force base on Amami Oshima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan September 8, 2022. REUTERS/Tim Kelly  

Reuters: U.S. Army's Pacific Commander Wants to Keep Rocket Launchers at Frontline Japanese Base 

TOKYO (Reuters) - The U.S. Army's Pacific commander, General Charles Flynn, said he is in no rush to withdraw rocket launchers and other equipment from a Japanese army base at the edge of the East China Sea even after the joint training they were used in ended. 

"Some of the equipment we are just going to leave here" until the next joint drills, he told Reuters on a visit on Thursday to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force base on Amami Oshima, part of an island chain stretching toward Taiwan.

"It's an opportunity for us to keep capabilities forward," he added.

Read more ....  

Update: US Army Pacific chief inspects defense activities on Amami, southwestern Japan (NHK).  

WNU Editor: The US has a willing partner in Japan .... Japan Is Militarizing Its Remote Islands (September 8, 2022). More here .... Japan to build munitions depots close to Taiwan (Taipei Times).

US And Japanese Warplanes In Show Of Strength Following North Korean Missile Launches And Russia - China Military Exercises

In this photo provided by the Joint Staff of the Japanese Self-Defense Force, three F-15 warplanes of the Japanese Self-Defense Force, front, and four F-16 fighters of the U.S. Armed Forces fly over the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. Japanese and U.S. forces conducted the joint fighter jet flight over the Sea of Japan, Japan’s Defense Ministry said Thursday, in an apparent response to a Russia-China joint bomber flight while U.S. President Joe Biden was in Tokyo. (Joint Staff of the Japanese Self-Defense Force via AP) 

ABC News Australia: US and Japanese warplanes in show of strength following North Korean missile launches 

US jet fighters have joined Japanese warplanes in a show of strength, a day after North Korea launched ballistic missiles into the waters separating it with Japan. 

The exercise was meant to "showcase combined capabilities to deter and counter regional threats", the US military said in a statement. The flight of eight aircraft consisted of four American F-16 jets and four Japanese F-15 warplanes, according to Japan's Air Self-Defence Force. 

Japan and the United States wanted to show their combined resolve in the wake of North Korea's latest missile launches, two US officials told Reuters anonymously.  

Read more .... 

US And Japanese Warplanes In Show Of Strength Following North Korean Missile Launches And Russia - China Military Exercises  

Japan, US fly fighters after China drill, N. Korean missiles -- AP 

U.S. and Japan say they staged joint fighter jet flight after N.Korea missile launches -- Reuters  

US, Japan Launch ‘Counter Offensive’ With F-15, F-16 Fighters In Response To Joint Air Drills By Russia & China -- EurAsian Times

U.S. And Japan Agree To Ban The U.S. Military From Leaving Its Base Grounds

FILE PHOTO: A warning sign in the fence around the area of US Base Camp Schwab in Nago, Okinawa prefecture, Japan. © Global Look Press / Richard Atrero de Guzman  

Politico/AP: U.S., Japan agree to keep troops on base to curb Covid spread 

Fumio Kishida said American soldiers will stay on base “except when absolutely necessary.” 

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Sunday that Japan and the U.S. have reached “a basic agreement” on banning the U.S. military from leaving its base grounds, amid growing worries about a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. 

Kishida said American soldiers will stay on base “except when absolutely necessary,” which presumably means for emergencies or other security reasons. Details of the deal are still being worked out, he said on Fuji TV. The overall U.S.-Japan security alliance remains unchanged.  

Read more .... 

 Update #1: U.S. bases in Japan to come under tighter COVID-19 controls (Reuters) 

Update #2: US troops' movement limited in Japan to prevent COVID-19 spread (The Hill)  

WNU Editor: The Japanese are blaming the presence of US troops for the recent surge in Covid cases .... Japan to bring back some COVID restrictions as U.S. troops blamed for surge in infections (CBS). More here .... Japan attempts to stem surge in Covid cases linked to US military bases (The Guardian), and here .... US Military COVID-19 Outbreak Spurs Tensions in Japan’s Okinawa (VOA).

Japan And US Deepen Military Ties In Bid To Counter China And North Korea

 

Defense News: US, Japan agree to two defense pacts amid China worries 

WASHINGTON ― The U.S. and Japan are close to signing a new five-year pact for Japan to support U.S. military forces in the country and a new agreement to research and develop new defense technologies, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday. 

Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met virtually with their Japanese counterparts — Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo — on Thursday amid rising tensions between the allies and China. Austin participated from home as he recovers from COVID-19. 

“We’re launching a new research and development agreement that will make it easier for our scientists, for engineers and program managers, to collaborate on emerging defense-related issues: countering hypersonic threats, advancing space capabilities,” Blinken said ahead of the meeting. 

“When Japanese and American researchers bring their complementary strengths to bear, we can out-compete and out-innovate anyone.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China has responded to this defense agreement .... Japan deepens defense ties with US to target China, seeking to justify amending the war-renouncing constitution (Global Times). 

Japan And US Deepen Military Ties In Bid To Counter China And North Korea  

Joint Statement of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee ("2+2") -- US Department of Defense  

Japan extends US military support amid China, N.Korea 'challenges' -- AFP  

U.S., Japan hail stronger ties, including 2 new defence deals -- AP  

Japan, U.S. Say They'll Work Together to Deter China Threats -- Bloomberg  

US and Japan seek new security cooperation -- DW  

US, Japan to Launch New Defense Research and Development Agreement -- VOA  

US, Japan chide China as they deepen defence ties -- Al JAzeera