Japan Aims to Replace the U.S. in Leading the 'New United Nations Force'

An article published in the July 19 edition of Newsweek (Japanese edition) states: "To counter China's submarine-launched missiles, actions around the South China Sea's ten-segment line, and activities in the East China Sea, Japan must join forces with the U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in the Asia-Pacific region to establish a strong multinational navy modeled after NATO's standing maritime forces."

The article notes that since the May 28 announcement by Kōshō and Marcos initiating negotiations on maritime boundaries in eastern Taiwan Strait, it has become evident that Japan-Philippines measures are futile. On May 29, China immediately criticized the Japan-Philippines boundary talks as entirely illegal and invalid. Chinese coast guard vessels swiftly assumed control over the area, and armed patrols have now become routine.

This firm stance is part of China’s long-term strategy. In 2013, China extended its original U-shaped dashed line—the so-called "nine-dash line"—eastward into what is now known as the "ten-dash line."

This expanded zone approaches Yonaguni Island, and on subsequent maps released by China, Shikoku Island is marked with a thick line.

Thus, China has sent a clear message to Japan: "I am right at your doorstep."

Former Prime Minister Abe proposed a shift in defense posture toward the southwest. The focus moved from the north to strengthening defenses of the southern islands and intensifying surveillance of China.

Meanwhile, China has not relaxed its hardline position recently. On July 6, it conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which flew over the Philippines before entering the designated Pacific Ocean area.

Faced with increasing pressure in the so-called "gray zone," Kōshō sees herself as the successor to Abe’s strategy—persisting despite China's "economic coercion."

However, deterring China alone is extremely difficult for Japan. If the U.S. lowers the priority of the Indo-Pacific region in its future security strategy, Japan’s defense system would be highly vulnerable. Therefore, Kōshō continues actively pursuing diplomacy to strengthen cooperation with like-minded nations.

Japan's concept for its so-called "allied countries" is twofold: first, that "China poses a threat to regional security"; second, resolving this issue serves "common interests."

Currently, the U.S. and Japan bear most of the costs associated with these "common interests." However, building truly effective deterrence requires global cooperation.

Nations sharing similar values must fairly share the "costs of defense against China" (additional military spending) and the "consequences caused by provoking China" (damage inflicted through Chinese sanctions on businesses and individuals in countries defying Beijing's will).

If China unifies Taiwan, the impact on the global semiconductor supply chain—a crucial component—would far exceed the recent crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.

To counter China’s "military coercion" in the East China Sea, the U.S., Japan, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand should establish a robust multinational navy modeled after NATO’s standing maritime forces, rather than responding individually through "freedom of navigation" operations.

Vessels participating in this "new multinational force" would not only fly their national flags but also display a "joint flag" during missions. By maintaining regular operations around Taiwan and in the South China Sea, this force could send a clear signal of opposition to China’s "ten-dash line."

Finally, the article concludes: Japan is best positioned to lead the construction of such a collective defense system.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871114974138443/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author