US and Japan , Agree to Bolster Alliance , Amid Mutual Threats.br On January 11, top defense and foreign policy officials br from the United States and Japan met to strengthen ties br amid concerns of a potential conflict with China.br On January 11, top defense and foreign policy officials br from the United States and Japan met to strengthen ties br amid concerns of a potential conflict with China.br 'Newsweek' reports that the talks were aimed at br reaffirming alignment on mutually concerning br matters and bolster contingency plans.br Those issues of mutual concern focused br on North Korean missile threats, Russia's war br in Ukraine and China's stance on Taiwan. .br Those issues of mutual concern focused br on North Korean missile threats, Russia's war br in Ukraine and China's stance on Taiwan. .br According to a joint statement, the officials br agreed to modernize the U.S.-Japanese alliance br "to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.".br According to a joint statement, the officials br agreed to modernize the U.S.-Japanese alliance br "to prevail in a new era of strategic competition.".br Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a joint press br conference that the U.S. welcomes Japan's commitment br to bolster national defense and security strategies.br Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a joint press br conference that the U.S. welcomes Japan's commitment br to bolster national defense and security strategies.br Japan recently announced a 20 increase br in defense spending to a record br $55 billion beginning in April.br Japan recently announced a 20 increase br in defense spending to a record br $55 billion beginning in April.br 'Newsweek' reports that Japan has also unveiled br plans to acquire "counterstrike" capabilities, which br would enable weaponry to hit targets in China. .br Defense planners believe the addition br of "counterstrike" capabilities will also act to br deter North Korean aggression in the region.br When it comes to Taiwan, I think it's very br important to note that what we've seen from br China in recent years—not recent months, br recent years—is, unfortunately, an effort br to undermine the longstanding status quo, br a status quo that's maintained br peace and stability for decades, Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, via 'Newsweek'.br When it comes to Taiwan, I think it's very br important to note that what we've seen from br China in recent years—not recent months, br recent years—is, unfortunately, an effort br to undermine the longstanding status quo, br a status quo that's maintained br peace and stability for decades, Antony Blinken, U.S.