EURASIA REVIEW

APLN member Rajaram Panda analysed the “Defense of Japan 2024” white paper, highlighting Japan’s focus on enhancing its defense capabilities in response to regional threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.

One needs to remember that Japan is the only country to have been attacked with nuclear weapons and the strong anti-nuclear sentiment in the country stems from that unpleasant experience. The talks therefore covered the issue of ‘extended deterrence’ as a means of US reassurance to Japan’s security. The US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink clarified that this was for the first time the issue was discussed at the ministerial level “to further strengthen U.S. extended deterrence bolstered by Japan’s defense capabilities.”

What does the ‘extended deterrence’ mean? This means the US commitment to using its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons, to protect its ally and deter attacks. (8) South Korea already enjoys this and now Japan is likely to have the same cover. An inaugural joint document was agreed to be issued by the end of 2024. It aims to bolster deterrence by clearly articulating the US’ unwavering commitment to defending Japan amid growing nuclear threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Though the details are not yet released, the document is expected to provide direction on what situations Japan should face in order for the US to retaliate, including with nuclear weapons. As it transpires, more new areas of cooperation and collaboration between Japan and the US in the defence sector including industrial collaboration following Tokyo’s revision of strict defense export guidelines in March 2024 are likely in the near future. Both are also likely to partner to repair US warships and aircraft in Japan and jointly develop and produce advanced weapons. Japan is therefore likely to assume a more robust defense posture with the US cooperation to cope with the emerging security challenges emanating from China, North Korea and Russia.

The original article can be accessed here.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III poses for a photo with Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru prior to a bilateral exchange at the Japanese Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, July 29, 2024. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)