A Dilemma in U.S. - Japan Security Relations: Should the U.S. and Japan Fortify Their Military Alliance?

The article examines the evolution of the U.S.-Japan security alliance. It demonstrates that strengthening the Japanese Self-Defense Force (SDF) will threaten the security of both nations in East Asian relations. Russia and China will particularly take a negative view of a stronger U.S.-Japan armed forces coalition. Thus, it will serve the U.S. and Japan explore other avenues, perhaps on building better diplomatic and economic relations with the other nations in the East Asia region.