U.S., Japan Strengthen Military Ties China Says Firmer Alliance May Provoke Asian Unrest

The United States and Japan formally agreed Tuesday to strengthen their military relationship despite warnings from China that the stronger alliance was a provocation that would threaten peace and stability throughout Asia.

The new ties replace guidelines first negotiated in 1978 as the basis of military cooperation between the United States and Japan in the event of a war or other crises in or near Japan.

Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Secretary of Defense William Cohen announced the revisions after a meeting at the Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan with their Japanese counterparts, Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi and Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma.

Under the agreement, Japan would provide support for American military operations in the event of a military confrontation or other crisis, including allowing the use of its bases in emergencies.