Japan and the United States agreed to set up a joint force headquarters of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps stationed in Japan, during two-plus-two defense talks attended by the defense and foreign ministers of the two governments in Tokyo late last month.
The main theme of the talks was reviewing the basic framework regarding the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. armed forces stationed in Japan,to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.
The joint force headquarters will have a certain level of authority to coordinate operations and exercises, which is expected to deepen cooperation between the SDF and U.S. armed forces in Japan.
The Japanese and U.S. governments also held a bilateral dialogue on extended deterrence, which includes the use of nuclear deterrence.
What is extended deterrence?
Extended deterrence means a country promises to protect its allies, often with nuclear weapons, to prevent attacks on them.
The two countries confirmed the unwavering U.S. policy to defend Japan militarily, including through its nuclear capabilities.
I guess,
This was a very important and groundbreaking dialogue at the 2+2 level,
as Chinese and N. Korean threats has been rising .
China immediately protested to Japan about the 2+2 defense talks, which shows the importance of these talks.
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https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20240729-201328/
https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20240728-OYT1T50188/
