U.S. intends to conclude new military-naval agreement with Japan
U.S. seeks to negotiate a new military-naval agreement with Japan (photo: media.defense.gov)
The United States and Japan are seeking to conclude an agreement for the repair of American ships at Japanese shipyards, according to the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel.
"China watches what ships are coming in and out. It is not like this is a secret, they know what's happening. So therefore, they take an evaluation of your deterrence," said Emanuel during a speech at the Yokosuka naval base near Tokyo.
If a new agreement is reached, U.S. Navy ships would be able to stay in Asia's waters for a more extended period and be prepared for any potential conflicts.
Utilizing Japanese dry docks would reduce the workload on American shipyards, where the backlog of work exceeds 4,000 days. Contract allocation would allow U.S. shipbuilders to focus on ship construction rather than repairs, ultimately helping the U.S. increase its fleet.
According to the diplomat, Washington and Tokyo have established a council to develop a joint plan for maintenance work.
U.S. agreements with Pacific nations
Under a series of bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Japan, Washington deploys over ten warships in the Pacific Ocean and maintains several naval bases.
In the 1980s, the United States first entered into what is known as a Compact of Free Association with three island nations, whereby it retains responsibility for its defense and provides economic assistance in exchange for exclusive access to vast strategic areas in the Pacific Ocean.
In May of the previous year, the U.S. signed new strategic agreements with Pacific island nations Palau and Micronesia and hopes to do the same with the Marshall Islands shortly.
These agreements aim to strengthen support for Pacific island nations in resisting competition from China.
