Japan and the US Revised Defence Deal After 18 Years to Deal with Growing Global Security Concern

Japan and the US signed a new set of defence agreements that allow for greater co-operation between their militaries after 18 years to deal with growing global security concern. This agreements was signed by the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, and Defense Secretary, Ashton Carter, and the Japanese Foreign Minister, Fumio Kishida, and Defense Minister, Gen Nakatani.

  • According to the agreement, it would also allow the US and Japanese militaries to work more closely together in the event of a conflict in the East China Sea or in North Korea.
  • It allows the exercise of the right to collective self-defence, that is, Japan could shoot down missiles heading toward the United States and come to the aid of third countries under attack.
  • The guidelines also allow for global cooperation militarily, ranging from defence against ballistic missile, cyber and space attacks as well as maritime security.
  • The US and Japan established defence guidelines in 1978, at the height of the Cold War and When China՚s military build-up was still in its infancy in 1997. The new guidelines are the first to reflect China՚s greater military heft and push for influence in the region.
  • The revised guidelines need the reinterpretation of the constitution of Japan. The new defense guidelines are part of Abe՚s bid to soften Japan՚s constitutional commitment to pacifism.

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021