The use of nuclear weapons is guaranteed in emergency situations: The United States once again promised to support Japan in case the conflict with China intensified. The situation in Taiwan also plays a role here.
Against a background of growing tensions with China The United States has their security guarantee for Japan Again – including the use of nuclear weapons if needed. According to the US government, the promise of protection also applies to the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Archipelago in the East China Sea, which China is also claiming for itself.
After a symbolic visit to the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga On Friday in the White House the US President stressed Joe BidenThe two countries are determined to “jointly meet the challenge posed by China”. It is about ensuring a peaceful, free and open future of the Indo-Pacific.
The United States deploys soldiers in Japan
With its nuclear arsenal, the United States is the preventive force of Japan, and thousands of American soldiers are also stationed in the island nation. The special role of the coalition was also expressed in the fact that Suga was the first foreign guest since Biden took office on January 20 to be personally received at the White House.
A joint statement after the meeting said that the United States would not hesitate to fulfill its commitment to defend Japan “using a full range of capabilities” including “nuclear” capabilities. Regarding China’s drive for power in the Indo-Pacific region, Suga stressed that both countries resisted any attempts “to change the status quo by force or force.” He stated that this applies particularly to the South China Sea and to the “intimidation” of neighboring countries, according to the translation.
The American side condemned “any unilateral action aimed at undermining the Japanese administration of the Senkaku Islands.” Uninhabited islands in China and Taiwan Commonly known as Diaoyu or Diaoyutai, respectively. Recently, more and more Chinese ships have appeared in the waters surrounding the archipelago. Given the assumed gas and oil reserves, rocky islands are of great strategic importance. Taiwan also demands it for itself.
A harsh tone against China
The Biden government has been ruthless toward China since it took power and has given the country a prominent place in its foreign policy: The US president is the second largest economy in the world the most powerful competitor and the number one geopolitical challenge. Under Biden’s command, US warships increased their operations around Taiwan and in the South China Sea. On the other hand, Chinese combat pilots violate the Taiwan air defense limitation zone almost every day.
Biden and Suga have not commented directly on Beijing’s attempt at military intimidation against Taiwan, which considers the Communist People’s Republic of China to be part of China. However, in their joint statement, the two countries stressed “the importance of peace and security” in the Taiwan Strait. Biden and Suga also announced their intention to work with South Korea to meet the challenge posed by the North Korean nuclear program.