The foreign and defense ministers of Japan and the United States held a meeting in Washington on June 21 and issued a joint statement covering a wide range of security-related issues. They agreed that the Japan-U.S. alliance is indispensable for the security of the two countries as well as for the peace, stability and economic prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
Remarkably, the joint statement pays close attention to China's increased military activities, without naming the country, including its naval activities in the East and South China seas. It points out China's threats to outer space, cyberspace and the high seas. It particularly mentions China's anti-access and area denial capabilities. It calls for deterring provocation by North Korea. It also mentions the establishment of a bilateral extended deterrence dialogue to be conducted on a regular basis.
It is important for Japan to deepen cooperation with the U.S. in dealing with the changing security environment in the region. But its cooperation should strictly follow constitutional principles.