China’s destabilizing actions, particularly in the South China Sea, were condemned today by the US and Japan, while they expressed concern about Russia’s growing cooperation with Beijing and North Korea.
At the same time, the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries announced the strengthening of their military and defense ties.
According to the joint statement released after US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met in Tokyo with their Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, the ministers “reiterated their strong objections to China’s unlawful maritime claims and threatening and provocative actions in the South China Sea.”
They also stressed that China aspires to “reshape the international order to its advantage”, which represents “the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond”.
They also expressed concern about “Russia’s growing and provocative strategic military cooperation with China,” referring to the countries’ joint military high schools near Japan, and denounced Beijing’s alleged support for Moscow in its war with Ukraine.
The US Secretary of Defense also announced the creation of a new administrative structure in Japan.
This headquarters, which will be commanded by a general, will “allow better interoperability and facilitate joint maneuvers” with Japanese forces.
The announcement follows Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the US in April, during which US President Joe Biden hailed a “new era” of cooperation with Japan aimed at improving relations with China and North Korea, as well as Russia.
“We are at a historic turning point,” Japan’s foreign minister said. His US counterpart Anthony Blinken will continue his marathon tour of Asia aimed at strengthening US alliances and partnerships in the region.