U.S. Role

U.S. & Japan

President Bush has embarked on an Asian tour, stopping first in Japan to confer with that important American ally (Japan Today - Bush calls Japan bedrock of Asia freedom, Koizumi one of his best friends). In "America's New Strategic Relationship with Japan," Christopher Preble, director of foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute, writes:

With the U.S. facing numerous other military commitments abroad, and with Japan increasingly asserting military autonomy, the Bush administration is to be commended for shaping a new policy that will more equitably distribute security burdens between the two countries. A new strategic relationship should provide a more durable and credible foundation for addressing the most pressing security challenges facing both countries in East Asia and beyond.

Should the U.S. ask Japan to assume greater responsibility for defense and regional security? Is there a danger that an increased regional role for Japan, supported by the U.S., would not be welcomed by other regional powers?

posted by Joel @ 1:59 PM