The U.S.–Japan Security Alliance Must Act Now to Deter China

Tokyo emphasized that “the stability of the situation surrounding Taiwan is important for the security of Japan and the stability of the international community. [...] In 2015, Japan passed the Legislation for Peace and Security to enable the country to play a more comprehensive role in responding to global security challenges. [...] S.–Japan mutual defense treaty states: “For the purpose of contrib- uting to the security of Japan and the maintenance of international peace and security in the Far East, the United States of America is granted the use by its land, air and naval forces of facilities and areas in Japan.” How- ever, Washington must first engage in prior consultation to receive Tokyo’s acquiescence to operate, from. [...] The plan must also credibly demonstrate that three conditions have been met: (1) Japan’s own survival must be under threat, there are no other means available to resolve the situation, and what- ever force it uses must be the minimum possible;25 (2) the plan must be approved by the cabinet and then the Diet, and SDF operations not included in the approved plan are proscribed; and (3) the SDF must. [...] Formally called “The Act on the Peace and Independence of Japan and Maintenance of the Nation and the People’s Security in Armed Attack Situations, etc., and a Survival-Threatening Situation.” 22.