https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1558/
In a recent joint statement, Japan and the United States called out China as the biggest threat to all sectors of global order. Japanese foreign minister Motegi Toshimitsu confirmed the strong allyship by stating that the United States is backing Japan in the ongoing maritime conflicts with China. The press conference was met by a counter statement from Beijing that claimed the two states should not single out one state and their interests. China is known to be in most conversations between Japan and the United States, yet the allies have never been this direct.
Japan and the United States have a complex relationship, fighting alongside each other during World War I and bombing each other’s homeland less than 30 years later. With Japan rising to global dominance because of its involvement in the Senkaku islands dispute, many states are building stronger ties. Japan’s proximity to China also makes the state more relevant than ever. While the United States has been putting off dealing with China efficiently, their relationship with Japan is going to be key in making sure China stays in line. Japan is mutually benefitting by having a global superpower back them and getting China off their back for some time.
Conflicts between Japan and China have been more prominent, as they represent a democratic state versus an authoritarian one in world politics. The maritime conflicts between the states point out all three conflicts of interests- territory, government control and economics. The additional territory benefits both as more territory can mean more influence over the region. The difference in government style has been a sore subject for decades, which has led to previous wars near the region. The resources within the territory also point out the economic interest, as it has potential for oil and fishing industries.