US and Japan , Agree to Bolster Alliance , Amid Mutual Threats.<br />On January 11, top defense and foreign policy officials <br />from the United States and Japan met to strengthen ties <br />amid concerns of a potential conflict with China.<br />On January 11, top defense and foreign policy officials <br />from the United States and Japan met to strengthen ties <br />amid concerns of a potential conflict with China.<br />'Newsweek' reports that the talks were aimed at <br />reaffirming alignment on mutually concerning <br />matters and bolster contingency plans.<br />Those issues of mutual concern focused <br />on North Korean missile threats, Russia's war <br />in Ukraine and China's stance on Taiwan. .<br />Those issues of mutual concern focused <br />on North Korean missile threats, Russia's war <br />in Ukraine and China's stance on Taiwan. .<br />According to a joint statement, the officials <br />agreed to modernize the U.S.-Japanese alliance <br />"to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.".<br />According to a joint statement, the officials <br />agreed to modernize the U.S.-Japanese alliance <br />"to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.".<br />Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a joint press <br />conference that the U.S. welcomes Japan's commitment <br />to bolster national defense and security strategies.<br />Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a joint press <br />conference that the U.S. welcomes Japan's commitment <br />to bolster national defense and security strategies.<br />Japan recently announced a 20% increase <br />in defense spending to a record <br />$55 billion beginning in April.<br />Japan recently announced a 20% increase <br />in defense spending to a record <br />$55 billion beginning in April.<br />'Newsweek' reports that Japan has also unveiled <br />plans to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, which <br />would enable weaponry to hit targets in China. .<br />Defense planners believe the addition <br />of "counterstrike" capabilities will also act to <br />deter North Korean aggression in the region.<br />When it comes to Taiwan, I think it's very <br />important to note that what we've seen from <br />China in recent years—not recent months, <br />recent years—is, unfortunately, an effort <br />to undermine the longstanding status quo, <br />a status quo that's maintained <br />peace and stability for decades, Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, via 'Newsweek'.<br />When it comes to Taiwan, I think it's very <br />important to note that what we've seen from <br />China in recent years—not recent months, <br />recent years—is, unfortunately, an effort <br />to undermine the longstanding status quo, <br />a status quo that's maintained <br />peace and stability for decades, Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, via 'Newsweek'
