2020 DEFENSE OF JAPAN Defense White Paper DIGEST Chapter 2 Japan-U.S. Alliance Significance of the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements ● The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which marked the 60th anniversary in 2020, together with Japan’s own national defense architecture, constitute a cornerstone for Japan’s national security. ● The Japan-U.S. Alliance, with the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements as its core, plays a significant role for peace, stability and prosperity of not only Japan but also the Indo-Pacific region and the international community. Outline of the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation The Guidelines manifest a strategic vision for a more robust Alliance and greater shared responsibilities by modernizing the Alliance and enhancing its deterrence and response capabilities in all phases, from peacetime to contingencies. Ceremony commemorating the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty (January 2020) [Website of Prime Minister’s Office of Japan] Policy Consultations between Japan and the United States ● Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting At the meeting held in New York on September 25, 2019, the leaders reaffirmed the recognition that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is stronger than ever before, and shared the view on continuing to further strengthen the unwavering Japan-U.S. Alliance. ● Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting At the meeting held in Washington D.C. on January 14, 2020, Minister of Defense Kono explained the cabinet decision made in December 2019, which is to send the SDF to the Middle East, and Japan and the United States have confirmed the following points: ● The Ministers confirmed that we have to avoid further escalation of the situation in the Middle East; ● The Ministers confirmed the importance of full implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all North Korea’s WMD and ballistic missiles of all ranges; ● The Ministers confirmed that they oppose unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion in the East and South China Seas, and work together to make sure that the rule of law and the freedom of navigation are firmly established; ● The Ministers confirmed that they continue to closely work together to even strengthen the alliance capability to deter and respond, and to materialize the aligned strategies of both countries; ● The Ministers reaffirmed that they cooperate with various partners, including conducting joint exercises and capacity building to maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific with Japan-U.S. Alliance being the cornerstone; ● The Ministers confirmed to work closely together for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives, including the acquisition of Mageshima, a candidate site for a permanent FCLP facility; ● The Ministers confirmed that the relocation to Henokosaki is the only solution to avoid the continued use of MCAS Futenma, and; ● The Ministers reaffirmed that Japan and the United States continue to work together with the shared recognition that understanding and cooperation from the local communities is crucial for the maintenance of operational readiness of the USFJ. Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Meeting (January 2020) Strengthening Ability of Japan-U.S. Alliance to Deter and Counter Threats In order to ensure Japan’s peace and security, Japan and the United States are advancing cooperation in various fields, including “Cooperation in Space and Cyber Domains,” “Comprehensive Air and Missile Defense,” “Bilateral Training and Exercises,” “ISR Activities,” “Maritime Security,” “Logistics Support,” and “Cooperation in Response to a Large-Scale Disaster in Japan.” Japan-U.S. Bilateral Exercises (November 2019) Digest 30