World · East Asia & Pacific · 7 hrs ago
US think tank proposal would end alliance but keep access to Japanese bases
A US think tank proposed ending the US-Japan alliance while allowing US forces to keep using bases in Japan.
The proposal is presented as a way to reduce the risk of war with China, but it is not official US government policy.
Keeping access to the bases after ending the alliance could leave unclear who would defend them if they were attacked.
Japan would need to negotiate what support it expects from the United States in return for allowing continued use of its bases.
The proposal sets 2035 as a target for Japan to become more self-reliant, but that would require trained personnel and systems for intelligence, command, supplies and maintenance, not just new equipment.
It also says the US should stick to its withdrawal schedule, even if Japan is not ready, which could leave a gap in its defence.
The withdrawal timetable would need to account for Japan’s readiness, but the proposal does not guarantee that the two sides will agree on this.
A US think tank proposal would end the US-Japan alliance while allowing US forces to continue using bases in Japan.
The proposal presents the change as a way to reduce the risk of war with China and the US military’s regional commitments.
It sets 2035 as a target for Japan to become more self-reliant in defence, but does not guarantee Japan will be ready by then.
A Japanese commentary says the proposal leaves unclear who would defend the bases if they were attacked.
The proposal is not an official US government policy, according to the Livedoor News summary.
- Who
- A US think tank proposed ending the US-Japan alliance while retaining access to Japanese bases.
- What
- The proposal calls for ending the alliance and reducing US military responsibilities while allowing continued use of bases in Japan.
- When
- The articles were published on October 20, 2026. The proposal’s release date is not stated.
- Where
- Japan and the wider Asian region.
- Why
- The proposal is presented as a way to reduce the risk of war with China and the US military’s regional burden.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- October 20, 2026
- Target year
- 2035
- Proposal
- End the US-Japan alliance while retaining US access to Japanese bases
- Key concern
- Responsibility for defending bases if they are attacked is unclear
- Policy status
- The proposal is not an official US government policy