Japan plans to join AUKUS. U.S. deploys strategy to create multi-tiered alliance linkages

On March 2, 2024, it became known that the United States had begun consultations with the United Kingdom and Australia on inviting Japan to join AUKUS. The relevant agreement will be signed during Prime Minister Kishida’s state visit to the United States, scheduled for April 10, 2024.

Japan’s accession to AUKUS is considered in the context of the “second pillar” (AUKUS Pillar 2) of the coalition – the high-tech alliance. Joining the “first pillar” (AUKUS Pillar 1), which is related to the development of nuclear submarines, is currently the subject of domestic political discussions in Japan.

The rise of Japan’s status in the network of security alliances of democratic countries led by the United States indicates a transition from the strategy of containing China and the authoritarian axis to a new stage.