US, Japanese Leaders Agree Chinese Behavior Endangers Peace

US, Japanese Leaders Agree Chinese Behavior Endangers Peace

By Jim Garmone


U.S. and Japanese defense and foreign affairs leaders agreed today that China’s behavior has become more aggressive, and the U.S. and Japan will work together to counter China’s destabilizing efforts.


Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III traveled to Tokyo as the first trip outside the United States by Biden administration officials. They met with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi in the so-called “two-plus-two” meetings hosted by Motegi. They later met with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.


All four men said they were pleased by the talks and stated that the alliance is strong and that their decisions will further strengthen it.


Austin emphasized the teamwork inherent in the alliance, and said the alliance system is the best way to confront China’s “coarsening” behavior. “I was pleased with our discussions on how we can further strengthen our bonds to seize the opportunities and address the challenges that we face together,” he said during a press conference following the meeting. “We spoke on a number of issues to include our commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea, and enhancing alliance capabilities across all domains, and addressing aggressive and coarsened behaviors from China — especially in the South and East China Seas.” 


Japan shares the U.S. concerns about China’s destabilizing actions. “China is the pacing challenge for the Department of Defense,” he said. “And we know that competing in today’s shifting global dynamics can only be done through the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, which are the hallmarks of our alliance with Japan.”






Motegi said the strategic situation in the region is completely different from what it was just a few short years ago. It makes t ..

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