Japan, U.S. race to modernize alliance facing multiple threats

Allies fear possible coordination among China, Russia, North Korea

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An MQ-9 Reaper drone performs maneuvers in Nevada. Such craft provide information to a joint U.S.-Japanese intelligence team. © Reuters

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- The global geopolitical order has transformed in the year since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, prompting Japan and the U.S. to update their alliance to confront rising threats from nuclear-armed China, North Korea and Russia.

A model for upgraded cooperation can be found at the Tokyo-area Yokota Air Base. A 30-member information analysis team began operating last fall, uniting personnel from Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the American military.

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