US-Japan to expand defense cooperation with India to counter N.Korea
The US and Japan have agreed to expand their multilateral security and defense cooperation with India, South Korea and Australia to counter the growing North Korean threat. North Korea's missile and nuclear program came up during a meeting between American and Japanese defense and foreign ministers in Washington, DC. The leaders also urged China to act decisively in making North Korea change its course.
North Korea successfully tests ICBM, Trump calls it "reckless"
On July 29, North Korea claimed it has successfully tested a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), calling it a "stern warning" for the US. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un claimed the entire US was within striking range, thanks to the test. The regime had also tested an ICBM three weeks ago. US President Donald Trump called the latest test a "reckless and dangerous action."
What the US and Japan discussed at meeting
The meeting took place between US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono, Defence Secretary James Mattis and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera. "We agreed to bolster our alliance capabilities to deter and respond to North Korea's unacceptable behaviour and other challenges to regional security," Tillerson said. He said the US military would remain prepared and vigilant against Pyongyang's threats.
US-Japan hint at countering Chinese ambitions in Indo-Pacific
In a joint statement with Japan, the US said it would continue maintaining its military presence in the region and is committed to Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy." This could be a reference to China's territorial claims in the Indo-Pacific region, a matter of concern for India. India, Japan and the US' mutual concerns about China's military prowess have driven their strategic convergences.
