Introduction
Joint military exercises have been a common sight in East Asia since the 2nd world war. These have mainly pitted US-Japan joint military exercises on one side and Sino-Russian joint exercises on the other side. The exercises have been motivated by various events in East Asia generating near animosity between the participating countries. The controversy surrounding the intention of the exercises has been a center of concern for many political and military analysts across the globe many of whom have blamed the exercises for encouraging an arms race similar to the one witnessed during the cold war.
Throughout history, the joint military drills seem to have been prompted by the rising suspicion between Russia and the US over diplomatic and military interests arising from their resource conflicts in East Asia. However, the participating powers have always masked their intentions behind claims of boosting their military preparedness against terrorism. The purpose of this paper is to argue that the joint military exercises are informed by the diplomatic tensions between the participants, political events in the East Asian countries, and the scramble for the influence of the East Asian countries.
The purpose of the Sino-Russian military exercise
The first joint military exercise between the two countries was held in 2005 (Quanyi, 2009). According to the two countries the exercise was meant to boost the counter-terrorism campaign. Since then three other bilateral peace mission maneuvers (as they have been dubbed) have been carried out. These have involved heavy military equipment such as warships and combat aircraft. A statement issued by the Chinese ministry of national defense stated that the exercise was aimed at demonstrating their ability to fight terrorism, separatists, and extremism. This statement seems valid considering the escalating terrorism, extremism, and separatists activities around the gulf region and also the participating countries. However, a deeper probe into the motivation of the two allies unravels much more than the countries claim.
Domestic conflicts
A closer scrutiny at the two countries will show that China for example has been grappling under the issue of the Tibetan secession attempt, Taiwan impasse, and other regions that lay claim to autonomy. Hence these military drills can be termed as a warning note to the Tibetan rebels and Taiwanese government as well as a show of military might. In fact, China is the least prone to the terrorism but for the separatist activities in the country. The 2005 military exercise indeed came soon after suppression of the riot in Northwestern Xingjian region which claimed about 1000 lives. This drew a wave of international criticism over what the international society saw as use of excessive force to quell civilian protests.
The exercise could be said to have come at the right moment to serve as a warning to the dissidents. To Chinese government, the military rehearsal will serve to bring sanity into Xingjian and ward off the dissident groups from the region. The joint exercise with Russia will help to create a perception that the actions against the region had international backing hence enabling the country to counter criticism from international community and nongovernmental organizations along human rights activists from within and without.
On its part, Russia has been struggling with the issue of separatist groups mainly from Chechnya and other states in the southern region. In addition, their recent confrontation with Georgia which elicited international condemnation caused bad blood with the western countries who strongly criticized its invasion of Georgia. These are some of the common interests by the two countries that could have inspired their joint military exercises. There have been concerted efforts between the Obama administration and President Medvedev to improve ties between the two countries. However, Moscow has remained skeptical over what it sees as the US dominance in Europe, its role in NATO expansion, and its ongoing efforts to forge ties with its neighbors.
Geopolitical factors
Many observers have also read geopolitical purpose in the military exercises (Quanyi, 2009). Conversely, China has consistently denied that their joint mission was to counter US influence in the region, a statement that is in high doubt. China could be said to have diplomatic relationship with the United States. However, their relationship has always been turbulent especially due to differences over the poor China’s human rights record and differences over trade between them. On the other hand, Sino-Japanese relationships have remained stable over the last decade. To strengthen their cooperation, the countries have recently signed what they termed as the treaty of constructive and strategic partnership.
US growing interests in East Asia
Growing concerns over the US expansion of its influence in East Asia could also be blamed for the growing Chinese suspicion. There has been a growth in Chinese apprehension over the increasing US-Japanese relation which is China’s traditional rival (Garrett & Glaser, 1997). U.S. has increasingly been showing interest in Japan, S. Korea, India, and Pakistan thereby causing suspicions over its intentions. The United States has also been expanding its interests in Central Asian states in its alleged fight against terrorism. This has been interpreted by China as a plot to alienate it in the region by encircling it using its neighbors.
The US military defense system in Eastern Europe
In recent times there has emerged a stand off between the US and Russia over what was dubbed as The Star wars project, a missile defense system that was to be installed in Eastern Europe. This was seen by Russia as directly directed to it hence arousing a diplomatic row that has only been broken by Obama’s resolve to withdraw the project. The current strings of military exercises are a sure warning to the US, its allies, and the neighbors that Russia has allies too that it could rely on in case of any military confrontation.
Failed bilateral economic relations
In another way, the military program could be interpreted as a spirited attempt to make up for defunct economic cooperation between the two states. Even after they signed the treaty of strategic partnership, trade between the two has remained low. Russia also refused to sell China its state of art advanced weapon system which complicated their relationship threatening to throw spanners into their engagement. The military cooperation could be a sure way of compensating for their marked failures.
Bilateral cooperation between the two nations has been boosted by Russian arm sales to China. China has been receiving arms worth $2 billion from Russia since 2000 according to a report tabled by Center for Analysis of strategies and technologies. China is taking advantage of the joint exercise to purchase sensitive military equipment and technologies that Russia had declined to sell to it before.
Symbolic meaning
Symbolically, the military exercises are seen as intended to mark the 60th anniversary since the inception of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. This can therefore be termed as a determined effort to jumpstart and strengthen their strategic relationship along with harmonization of their approaches towards economic development, the UN reform, and the nuclear stand off in Iran and North Korea, energy resources, cultural and global environment issues (Quanyi, 2009).
It is true that the joint military exercise could be important in settling regional crises in Asia according to Russia. However, military analysts have downplayed the allegations saying that the military exercises have no practical purpose in reality (Blua, 2005). Pavel Felgenhauer, one of the military analysts feels that the exercise is a response to the allegations that the US could be supporting rebel activities in Russia. The message being passed across is that Russia just like the USA has its allies.
US- Japanese military exercise
The US-Japanese military cooperation began soon after the Second World War when the two countries signed peace treaties. However, full joint military cooperation did not take off until the 1980s when the US had returned most of the Japan’s occupied territory. In the treaty, Japan and U.S. would cooperate jointly to protect each other from any external invasion but Japan was not to involve itself in any act of external aggression. This in effect meant that Japan’s military could not participate in peace keeping missions by sending its military personnel. This agreement was received with ugly response from the Japanese population who felt that Japan had ceded too much ground to US and the treaty was punitive. To appease them, U.S. has been returning its formerly occupied territories in stages.
The military exercise today according to the two countries is geared towards testing and evaluating US-Japanese defense forces on Japan in accordance to the treaty. Other joint activities are aimed at protecting Japanese sea lanes as well as to evaluate their maritime and air defense level of competence (Federation of American scientists, 2008). As I mentioned earlier the drills mainly involve air to air exercise as well as ground and marine drills. Nevertheless, from the face of it, these efforts appear noble until one looks keenly at the real motivation behind the exercise. Everything from the timing of the drills, the military equipment used, and the nature of the operation reveal a hidden motive behind the military drills.
US-Japanese diplomatic relations
The relationship between Japan and the USA has not been very smooth since the 2nd world war where Japan suffered severe casualties from the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. This has caused uneasy relationship between the two countries. Besides, the treaties signed by the two countries were seen as punitive to the Japanese people. This caused tension in diplomatic relations and has sometimes shaped the politics of the country. However, their common interests have always brought them together in joint military efforts.
Perceived Threat from Shanghai Cooperation Organization council of Defense
One of the many factors that could be attributed to their joint military exercises is the Sino-Russia military cooperation. This has raised suspicion causing the countries to intensify their joint drills. The two countries view the former as a threat to their regional supremacy. Russia and China have been trying to reach out to nations in the region in order for them to join their mainly military cooperation called Shanghai Cooperation Organization council of Defense. This has had the effect of scaring the US and Japan hence creating a need for the two countries to go back to the drawing board. The major avenue to do this was through military cooperation. They have even incorporated South Korea, Australia, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore in their joint military training and drills.
Middle East and the Gulf Region factor
The alleged fight against terrorism between the two groups has turned Afghanistan and other Middle East countries into a hot bed in diplomatic relations. The camps have been involved in spirited attempts to influence and even shape the country’s policies (McDermott, 2009). The race to stamp their authority in the region has led to increased military exercises that serve to ward off any possible aggression from Sino-Russian block. The message being sent indirectly is that the countries are militarily prepared for any aggression from the Sino-Russian bloc. The military exercise thus can be termed as a show of military might by the participating nations rather than achievement of the outlined objectives.
Oriental shield training program, a name used for one of those exercises conducted annually by Japan and USA are said to be aimed at inculcating tactical combat skills of the battalion commanders. It is also aimed at enhancing the skills of the staff while at the same time encouraging professional relationships among the joint forces (NYS DMNA News Story, 2009). This however serves as a facade for more covert operation in the background of these military show offs. Indeed the shift of 8000 US marine base from Okinawa to Guam is said to be a calculated move to the swift redeployment of military troops to the gulf region (Jung-eon, 2006). The whole nature of their operation reveals sinister motives behind their said objectives.
The North Korean question
The North Korea issue has been one of the major worries in the region. This is due to the increased militarization and development of long range missiles aimed at US and Japan alongside its uranium enrichment program aimed at producing nuclear weapons. The move has generated serious concerns between Japan and US leading to several military war games in the region aimed at serving as a warning to the country. This has not however deterred the country which has responded with counter threat of attacks if provoked. The situation is complicated by the influence of China and Russia who are North Korea’s sympathizers. Indeed, Russia being a permanent member of the UN Security Council with veto powers has always frustrated the USA’s efforts to take action against the state. In the end, the countries have engaged in increased military exercises in the region in collaboration with the neighbors including South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia and others. These are meant to act as deterrence to its activities including its missile tests which have roused international condemnation and threats of sanctions and military action.
The threat of the nuclear armed country has further led to the co-development of the ambitious of the Japanese military defense shield along with the US to protect the country from Korean missiles. This is designed to be able to shoot down any missiles directed at it from the North Korea. Their major worry has been the increasing nuclear capability of North Korea. North Korea has developed nuclear weapons targeted within the range of striking US and Japan (Chol, 2009). On its journey towards such recognition, Japan has had to showcase its military might and preparedness through the opportunity presented by its joint cooperation with United States.
Consolidation of Japan’s military position
According to Fiola (2004), the joint military exercises are meant to display the US-Japanese ability and potential to control the trafficking of weapons by terrorist and dissident states like North Korea and Iran. On its part, Japan is taking the opportunity to redefine its position from an economic power to a military power in the region. This comes after many years of nonaggression policies which seem to be working against it amidst several competing forces in the region.
Along these lines, Japan has been seeking to assert its position in the international arena. It has of late embarked in a relentless campaign to seek permanent admission in the UN Security Council and at the same time to transform its defense force into a full military unit with combat powers. One of the stages towards realization of this objective will be amendment of the constitution to allow active engagement in war. This pacifist policy has been very unpopular with the Japanese population. The military exercises are therefore a well timed step towards this objective.
The Iran actor
Iran’s pursuit of nuclear arms has elicited sharp reaction from the international powers. US in particular feels threatened due to its support for Israel. Japan, an important ally of US has not been left behind in condemning the Iranian nuclear program. The major argument against Iran’s development of the arms is that it could spark off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East which could be catastrophic. Japan itself which doesn’t have nuclear arsenal feels particular threatened having considered itself as a formidable power in Asia. In fact, the situation has been so serious that Japan is already considering launching its own nuclear project. This is one of those developments that have prompted Japan to engage in military exercise with the US. There is also fear that some nuclear material could be traded between Iran and North Korea hence the need for the joint surveillance. Worst still, terrorists could lay their hands on this material which would be devastating to the world’s security.
Scramble for mineral and energy resources
The increased race for natural resources has increased tension between the participating countries. For example, the Chinese robust growth in economy has led to increased appetite for mineral resources in East Asia. Competition for energy resources from Russia between China and Japan has polarized relationship between the two countries. In addition, the four countries involved in the conflict have been struggling to establish strategic relationships with other countries in East Asia so as to control the mineral resources. Another factor in the cooperation is Taiwan and the Korean strategic importance to both US and Japan alike. This has raised the need to protect their interest in the region through military cooperation (People’s daily online, 2005). The scramble has led to increased tensions between the participating countries raising the need for military cooperation to cushion themselves from any possible military conflicts which could emanate from the scramble.
Conclusion
Considering the above factors one reads a covert motivation for the escalating military exercises besides the alleged war on terrorism, separatism, and regional stability. This is evident from the nature of the events in the region which could be attributed to the rising need for military cooperation and exercise. The joint military exercises are thus informed by the diplomatic tensions between the participants, political events in the East Asian countries, the race for mineral and energy resources, and the scramble for the influence of the East Asian countries.
Reference List
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