Reconfirmation of Alliance

Two leaders reconfirmed the close relationship between both sides of the ocean. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered President Barack Obama a support for the Operation Freedom of Navigation, which was aimed for deterring Chinese territorial claim on small islands in South China Sea. Abe’s offer was interpreted as considering dispatch of Japanese vessels to the region. Obama was welcoming any support from Japan in dealing with Asia-Pacific region.

Security issues were raised from the beginning of the meeting for one and a half hour in Manila, Philippine. “I hope to open a new chapter of cooperation for making Japan-U.S. alliance contribute to peace and stability of international society,” told Abe, noting new security legislation passed the Diet in September. Obama explained that the operation in South China Sea would be continued as a routine activity of U.S. Force. “Shinzo and I both share an interest in continuing to foster rule of law, supporting international norms in areas like freedom of navigation or maritime law,” said Obama.

Freedom of navigation in South China Sea is a common interest for both Japan and U.S. Transporting ninety percent of imported crude oil and sixty percent of natural gas through South China Sea, Japan realizes cruciality of securing safety of the sea lane. China is also getting active in East China Sea, targeting potentiality of natural gas under the sea. For Japan, further advance of China to the region is not acceptable.

For U.S., support of Japan is indispensable to maintain its influence in Asia-Pacific region in the time when war against terrorism has again rose up in the center of security issues. “I want to congratulate Prime Minister Abe on his recent legislation relating to bolstering Japanese capabilities and it will give us a chance to talk about a wide range of threats, both regionally and internationally,” told Obama.

In the context of dealing with Chinese advance, Abe and Obama hailed recent agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership. “It extended the multi-layered cooperation of Japan-U.S. alliance to the world,” said Abe. He stressed the necessity of cooperation among the nations sharing the values like freedom, democracy or rule of law. Both leaders reconfirmed their policy to work early activation of the free trade framework.

It was the day two months after Japanese security legislation passed with unilateral procedure by leading parties in the Diet. Protesters gathered in front of the Diet building, requiring abolishment of the legislation. Obama’s congratulation to Abe may stimulate resentment to U.S. that hopes Japan to be involved in every problem U.S. brings.