What is Japan’s New Joint Operations Command and What Does Taiwan Have to Do With It?
American Soldiers demonstrate the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon to a Japanese soldier of the 39th Infantry Regiment, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during Exercise Orient Shield
Japan’s new Joint Operations Command (JOC) will be headed by General Kenichiro Nagumo. Its official goal is to coordinate the three branches of the Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) – ground, maritime, and air – to ensure smooth execution of missions. To date, the SDF has pursued a policy of responding to situations as they arise by organizing temporary joint task forces.The new force was formed in response to “the most complex security environment in the post-war era” to ensure “the smooth execution of the SDF’s missions,” Defense Minister Minoru Kihara earlier stressed.
Cooperation With US
Last year, the White House unveiled plans to convert US forces in Japan into a joint force headquarters that will report to the commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, in close collaborationwith Japan’s Joint Operations Command.This came after the US and Japan reaffirmed bilateral ties as they referred to China as the “greatest strategic challenge” in the region.The development unfolds amid Japan’s push for a closer relationship with the AUKUS alliance (Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States). WorldOkinawa on Fire: Division Brewing in Japan Over US Militarizing & Nuclearizing31 July 2024, 12:58 GMT
Taiwan Issue
The Japanese government earlier made it clear that the new command could grapple with risks of possible contingency in Taiwan, seen by China as an essential part of the mainland.Japan does not have formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan due to the “One-China” policy, but maintains close unofficial ties with the island.Visiting Taiwan were several Japanese officials, including former and current lawmakers.
China’s Reaction
“China always believes that military cooperation between states should be conducive to regional peace and stability,” Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, stressedLiu warned these states against targeting any third party or harming the interests of this party.