Increased US-Japan Defense Cooperation to Counter North Korean Threat

On Thursday, the foreign and defense ministers of the United States and Japan announced that defense cooperation between Washington and Tokyo would be enhanced to counter the nuclear and missile threats from North Korea. According to Reuters, Japanese Defense Minister Isunori Onodera stated after a joint meeting of officials from both countries that due to the North Korean threat, they agreed to increase pressure on Pyongyang while enhancing the capabilities and strength of the alliance. Tensions over North Korea's missile and nuclear program have significantly escalated in recent months. Reuters reports that Rex Tillerson and Jim Mattis, the US Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, agreed during their meeting with their Japanese counterparts in Washington to have closer cooperation regarding North Korea. The Japanese Defense Minister emphasized that all four officials stressed the importance of the US commitment to expanding deterrent capabilities in light of North Korean threats. Rex Tillerson also stated that the US is interested in dialogue with North Korea, but Washington will only agree to such talks if it is assured that discussions with Pyongyang will yield meaningful results. North Korea had agreed in 2005 with six countries to halt its nuclear program in exchange for economic and political assistance, but that agreement fell apart. In recent months, North Korea has conducted multiple missile tests and last week threatened to target Guam. US President Donald Trump had warned North Korea last week that it would face 'fire and fury' from the United States in response to its threats. General Jim Mattis had previously warned that Washington would consider a missile launch by Pyongyang towards Guam as a declaration of war, which he stated could quickly lead to conflict. However, it was announced four days ago that Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has postponed this decision and intends to monitor Washington's behavior 'for a short while longer.' Meanwhile, Donald Trump described North Korea's leader's decision to delay the attack on Guam as 'wise.' According to Reuters, following the announcement of the postponement of the attack on Guam by North Korea and the US's welcoming of this action, it seems that tensions on the Korean Peninsula have somewhat decreased. In this context, the South Korean President stated that there will be no war on the Korean Peninsula. Trump described North Korea's leader's decision regarding Guam as 'wise.' North Korea has postponed its missile launch towards Guam; the US is ready for negotiations. Mattis stated that a missile launch by North Korea would mean the start of war. The South Korean President emphasized that North Korea's nuclear ambitions must be contained peacefully. US officials say the risk of conflict with North Korea has increased but is not imminent.