US Japan Security Collaboration, Goal and Focus Areas

Context

• S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have declared the beginning of a “new era” in strategic collaboration between the U.S. and Japan.
• They announced a variety of initiatives, including joint missile development and crewed lunar missions, and criticised China’s aggressive actions in the region.

New Era of Security Cooperation Between US Japan

• Goal: Build a global security partnership to address complex challenges.
• Focus Areas:
  • Co-development of missiles
  • Upgraded military command-and-control frameworks for better interoperability
  • Upgraded defence communications networks
  • Networked air defence capabilities with the US, Australia and Japan
  • Joint forum on defence industrial cooperation for co-development and co-production (missiles, aircraft maintenance)
  • Working group for fighter pilot training (including AI and advanced simulators)
  • Shared goal for a Japanese astronaut to be the first non-American on the moon (Artemis mission)
  • Potential collaboration with AUKUS on advanced technologies (quantum computing, undersea, hypersonic, AI, cyber)

How the Allies Have Grappled with China?

China’s Rise as a Major Concern

• Since the 1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, China’s rapid economic and military growth has worried the US-Japan alliance.
• China’s growing defence budget and military modernization have sparked concerns about its global ambitions.

Territorial Disputes

• A long-standing territorial dispute exists between China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
• The US maintains neutrality on sovereignty but considers the islands under the US-Japan security treaty due to their administration by Japan.
• Diplomatic flare-ups, like China’s air defence identification zone over the islands in 2013, raise fears of a military clash potentially involving the US.

• US Strategic Shift to Counter China: The US has shifted focus to the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s assertiveness. This includes:
  • Obama’s “pivot to Asia” strengthened ties with regional partners like Japan.
  • Revival of the Quad security dialogue with the US, Australia, India, and Japan.
  • Biden administration’s commitment to the Quad, expanding cooperation on various issues.
  • Considering adding Japan to the AUKUS security pact to boost Indo-Pacific defences.
• Japan’s Balancing Act: Despite close economic ties with China, Japan is concerned about its military rise.
  • Japan has voiced concerns over:
    • China’s maritime actions.
    • Human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.
    • Stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Way Forward

• Deepen Strategic Alliances and Partnerships: Building on the foundation of the U.S.-Japan alliance, there should be an active effort to deepen strategic partnerships with other Indo-Pacific nations and entities like the Quad (U.S., Australia, India, Japan), and potentially extend cooperation with AUKUS (Australia, UK, US) on advanced technologies.
  • This collective effort would serve as a powerful deterrent against regional aggressions and foster a unified front on shared security concerns.
• Advance Defence Capabilities and Interoperability: Accelerate the co-development of critical defence technologies such as missiles, defence communication networks, and air defence systems.
  • Enhance military command-and-control frameworks to ensure seamless interoperability among allies, particularly focusing on scenarios that involve collective defence mechanisms.
• Strengthen Economic and Technological Ties: Beyond military cooperation, strengthen economic and technological ties by promoting joint research and development in emerging fields like quantum computing, undersea technologies, and artificial intelligence.
  • These efforts will not only bolster defence capabilities but also ensure economic resilience and technological supremacy.
• Sustain Diplomatic Engagement with China: While strengthening defence postures, sustain diplomatic channels with China to manage disputes and tensions, such as the territorial disagreements over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
  • Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to prevent escalation and to explore common ground in areas of potential cooperation, ensuring regional stability.
• Expand Space Exploration Collaboration: Leverage the shared goal for a Japanese astronaut to land on the moon as part of the Artemis mission to expand collaboration in space exploration.
  • This could serve as a platform for broader scientific cooperation, technological innovation, and peaceable uses of outer space, enhancing the strategic partnership’s scope beyond terrestrial concerns.

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