# US-Japan Alliance
Latest news and articles about US-Japan Alliance
Total: 13 articles found
The Ryukyu Question: Japan’s ‘Frontier’ Reopens Old Wounds of Sovereignty and Sacrifice
Recent Japanese military escalations in the Ryukyu Islands have reignited historical grievances regarding sovereignty, wartime atrocities, and structural discrimination. The local population increasingly views Tokyo's defense posture through the lens of their 1945 'sacrifice' and is seeking international recognition of their indigenous rights and autonomy.
Japan’s Final Frontier: The Transformation of the Air Self-Defense Force into a Space Power
Japan plans to rename its Air Self-Defense Force to the 'Air and Space Self-Defense Force' by late 2026, marking a shift toward orbital defense and enhanced long-range strike capabilities. The move has triggered domestic protests over constitutional concerns and regional alarm regarding the potential for offensive space operations and closer US-Japan integration.
Persistent Watch: The Strategic Migration of US Surveillance Drones to the Heart of Tokyo
The US military is relocating three RQ-4 Global Hawk drones and 150 personnel from Guam to Tokyo's Yokota Air Base this summer. This move enhances regional ISR capabilities and solidifies the US-Japan defense posture against regional security threats.
Beijing Signals Military Readiness Amid Expanding US-Japan Drills in the Taiwan Strait
China has responded to news of US-Japan military exercises targeting a 'Taiwan contingency' by asserting the PLA's combat readiness and technological superiority. Beijing views the deepening alliance as a direct threat to its sovereignty, signaling its intent to counter any external intervention with decisive force.
Beyond the Horizon: Beijing Signals Readiness Amid U.S.-Japan Drills for a Taiwan Contingency
Beijing has responded forcefully to reports of joint U.S.-Japan military exercises targeting a Taiwan contingency, with analysts asserting the PLA's total readiness to counter external intervention. The escalating coordination between Washington and Tokyo highlights a shift in Japanese defense policy and a deepening security dilemma in the Indo-Pacific.
The Specter of 'New Militarism': Beijing Warns Tokyo and Washington over Taiwan-Adjacent Drills
China has sharply criticized recent US-Japan joint military exercises near Taiwan, labeling Japan's defense evolution as 'new militarism.' The Ministry of National Defense warned that these maneuvers, including the creation of a joint command center, threaten regional peace and represent a dangerous provocation.
Japan’s Defense Transformation: Takaichi’s Gamble Against Pacifism and the Trump Factor
Japan's ruling LDP has approved a draft to overhaul its core security documents, signaling an accelerated shift toward military modernization and increased spending. The move aims to strengthen the U.S. alliance amid geopolitical uncertainty while navigating significant domestic economic and social headwinds.
The Looming Shadow of the ‘Typhon’: Beijing Decries US Missile Deployment in Japan
Beijing has issued a stern condemnation following reports that the U.S. will deploy the Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan for joint exercises and eventual permanent stationing. Chinese officials argue the move facilitates Japanese ‘re-militarization’ and poses a direct threat to regional strategic stability, marking a significant escalation in Indo-Pacific tensions.
Closing the Missile Gap: The Strategic Return of the Typhon System to Japanese Soil
The United States is redeploying the Typhon mid-range missile system to Japan for the 'Valiant Shield' and 'Orient Shield' joint exercises. This strategic move aims to enhance integrated deterrence within the First Island Chain while navigating complex local political opposition.
From Tranquil Island to Frontline Fortress: Japan’s High-Stakes Shift in the East China Sea
Japan is rapidly militarizing its southwestern islands, specifically Yonaguni, shifting its defense posture from surveillance to active combat readiness. This move, while framed as deterrence against regional threats, has sparked significant local opposition and concerns over the islands becoming primary targets in a potential conflict.
Takaichi’s Pivot: Japan’s New Militarism and the Dismantling of Pacifist Taboos
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is leading a systemic shift in Japanese policy, authorizing lethal weapon exports and centralizing intelligence capabilities. These moves, combined with ritual tributes to the Yasukuni Shrine, signal a determined push to abandon post-war pacifism and revise the nation's constitution.
Farewell to Pacifism: Japan’s Shift Toward a Combat-Ready Military Posture
Former defense official Makoto Konishi warns that Japan is abandoning its 'exclusive defense' policy to build a combat-ready military system. This shift, characterized by increased spending and strategic deployments in the Southwest Islands, aligns with US containment goals and signals a potential end to Japan's post-war pacifism.