In a new Asia Pacific Bulletin, Ryo Sahashi, Associate Professor of International Studies at Kanagawa University, analyzes the US-Japan security objectives for future joint defense cooperation listed in the joint statement produced at last month’s meeting of the Security Consultative Committee, or “2 plus 2″ talks, between United States’ and Japan’s cabinet-level foreign and defense officials in Washington, D.C.
Sahashi argues that this revision of the Common Strategic Objectives is significant as both governments successfully continue to quietly transform their alliance. In addition to jointly addressing issues pertaining to the rise of China and potential areas for greater global cooperation, looking at the promotion of trilateral cooperation with Australia and the Republic of Korea respectively, and trilateral dialogue with India, Sahashi writes “it is clear that the new direction for the alliance is towards creating a regional security architecture throughout the Asia-Pacific. ”
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