Japan and U.S. Strengthen Military Ties Amid Rising China Tensions

The U.S. and Japan are on the brink of signing a new security agreement, as reported by Financial Times. This move comes as tensions rise between China and Taiwan, and North Korea conducts military exercises and missile tests near Japan and South Korea. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida plan to announce the new agreement during the Japanese leader's visit to the White House on April 10. The alliance restructure will grant the U.S. Forces in Japan more operational authority, with Japan being one of the largest foreign deployments for the U.S. military. The new security agreement raises questions about Japan's defense capabilities and has raised concerns in China. Overall, this development signifies a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.