Japan became more willing to conduct joint planning after the Abe government reinterpreted the constitution in 2015 and as China's military became more assertive around Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.
Japan initially asked US to share its Taiwan war plan but the Pentagon wanted to proceed step by step, so started with enhanced planning. But ultimate goal is to create an integrated US-Japan war plan for a Taiwan conflict.
Yasuhide Nakayama (@iloveyatchan) #2 Japanese defense official recently said US & Japan should "wake up" about the China threat, at a @HudsonInstitute event.
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SCOOP – #China refusing to take call from US defense secretary #LloydAustin (@SecDef) who has made 3 requests. General Mark Milley, chairman of joint chiefs, has also not spoken to his Chinese counterpart since @JoeBiden took office on.ft.com/3bFeLnF
Austin is pushing to talk to General Xu Qiliang, vice-chair of the Central Military Commission & Politburo member, and not the less powerful defense minister Wei Fenghe
White House has debated what Austin should do. Some officials oppose any contact with the defence minister. Others say Austin could meet the minister and tell him that he wants to hold talks with the top brass, General Xu.
#SCOOP - Biden administration has relaxed restrictions on US officials meeting counterparts from #Taiwan, in yet another example that taking tough stance towards Beijing. #Chinaon.ft.com/3mAWdJC
US officials will be able to meet Taiwanese officials at federal government offices, and also at the de facto Taiwanese embassy and consulates across the US.
In one big change, US officials can attend events at Twin Oaks, which served as the Republic of China (Taiwan) ambassador's residence until the US switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing four decades ago.
On a good day, I get 100 RTs. This one has 2400 & rising so #Fauci seems to be resonating - except with Trump. Hats off to my colleague @hannahkuchler who did the interview.