March 22, 2013

The United States and Japanese governments will discuss a new joint military operation plan in the event of action by China involving the disputed islands of Senkaku.

The top official of the Japanese Self Defense Forces and the commander of the U.S. Pacific Command will hold a meeting in Hawaii on March 21 and 22 to consider drawing up a joint operation plan. It will take several months to finalize.

If Tokyo and Washington go ahead in formulating the plan, it will further increase tensions with China, running counter to the maintenance of peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

The U.S. intent is not only to help Japan with the Senkaku issue, but also to use the SDF as a core player within the U.S. military alliance strategy in Northeast Asia.