The United States and Japan have joined forces to criticize China’s “destabilizing behaviour” in Asia. The criticism came as senior ministers from both countries held their first in-person talks since President Joe Biden took office.
Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin represented the US in the meeting held in Tokyo. Their counterparts, Japanese Foreign Minister, Toshimitsu Motegi and Defence Minister, Nobuo Kishi hosted them.
What was said about China?
The discussions between the two parties focused on concerns that China is increasingly asserting its geopolitical ambitions.
The ministers “acknowledged China’s behaviour” in a joint statement released after the meeting.
“The United States and Japan acknowledged that China’s behavior, where inconsistent with the existing international order, presents political, economic, military and technological challenges.
“The ministers are committed to opposing coercion and destabilizing behavior towards others in the region.”
Ministers’ statement
The ministers also addressed China’s claim to islets in the East China Sea. China and Japan are at loggerheads over competing claims to the islets called Senkaku in Japan, and Diaoyu in China.
“The United States and Japan remain opposed to any unilateral action that seeks to change the status quo. Or to undermine Japan’s administration of these islands.”
In a press conference following the meeting, Blinken added that the ministers spoke about China’s “coercion and aggression”. This, he said is to “systematically erode autonomy in Hong Kong, undercut Taiwan’s democracy and human rights abuse in Xinjiang.”
Myanmar crises
During the press conference, Blinken accused Myanmar’s junta of “brutally repressing peaceful protesters”. Dozens have been killed in Myanmar’s protests as daily demonstrations grow against the military coup that ousted the country’s government.
“The military is attempting to overturn the results of a democratic election and is brutally repressing peaceful protesters.”
Anthony Blinken
North Korea threat japan
The ministers’ joint statement also renewed calls for the “complete denuclearization” of North Korea. It emphasized that the issue is one of the key areas of cooperation between the Washington and Tokyo.
Blinken said the US is still reviewing its policy towards North Korea to ascertain “whether various additional pressure measures could be effective”. And also, “whether there are diplomatic paths that make sense.”
The comments after Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, warned Washington against “causing a stink”. She also criticized the US and South Korea for continuing to hold joint military exercises.
“We take this opportunity to warn the new US administration trying hard to give off powder smell in our land. If it wants to sleep in peace for coming four years, it had better refrain from causing a stink…
“War drills and hostility can never go with dialogue and cooperation.”
Kim Yo Jong
The meeting represents the first overseas trip by top members of US President Joe Biden’s administration. Experts say heading to Asia is a reaffirmation of US commitments to “Indo Pacific” allies facing challenges including a more-aggressive China and nuclear-armed North Korea.
