Japan’s bold steps to emerge as main security provider in Indo-Pacific region amid China’s expansionism
Fumio Kishida’s visit to the United States in April 2024 was a historical visit because the agreement indicated that Japan will take charge of a more wider security role in the East China Sea, Taiwan and the South China Sea as a trustworthy ally of the United States.
Firstly, Japan and the United States are planning to make Tokyo to be main headquarters of military operation in this region. Currently, Japan has been planning to establish the integrated headquarters of its ground, maritime, and air Self-Defence-Forces in Tokyo by next March 2025. Along with it, during this Kishida’s US visit, the US decided to strengthen its headquarters in Tokyo to make seamless collaboration with the Japanese side. The rank of commander of the headquarter will rise from three star general to be four star general. The four-star general is at the same level with the current Indo-Pacific Commander in Hawaii.
The strengthening of the seamless command chain of armed forces in Tokyo is very important step. Currently, China is provoking countries in the East China Sea, Taiwan and the South China Sea at the same time. For China’s strategy, these areas are one set. For example, if China wants to invade Taiwan, China should dominate the East China Sea and the South China Sea to isolate Taiwan. And government in Beijing can control all these areas under one integrated strategy.
Compared with China, other countries have disadvantages because Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, are different countries and the United States is commanding from Hawaii
