31Received 18.03.2024. Revised 27.06.2024. Accepted 21.08.2024.
Abstract. This article discusses the military policy and defense priorities of the USA and its allies in Northeast Asia – Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The region is characterized by territorial disputes, such as those involving the Kuril Islands, and significant changes in military strategies and capabilities in the Post-Cold War, driven by new threats and technological advancements. The paper also examines the security architecture in the region, in particular, the strengthening of trilateral cooperation between the USA, Japan and South Korea. The primary focus is on the United States’ strategic pivot to Asia, which has led to enhanced military cooperation with Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as well as extensive military exercises aimed at deterring potential adversaries. The study explores Japan and South Korea’s defense strategies, which include substantial increases in defense spending, acquisition of advanced weapon systems, and a shift towards more assertive military policies. Furthermore, the authors touch upon the issue of naval power and its role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region. Challenges faced by the Russian Federation’s Pacific Fleet are considered. The revival of Russia’s Pacific Fleet through modernization efforts, including the commissioning of modern submarines and ships, reflects Moscow’s intention to protect its maritime borders and assert its strategic interests amid growing regional tension and rivalry. The authors contemplate the consequences of the U.S.’ enhanced military presence in Northeast Asia, including the deployment of advanced missile defense systems and conducting large-scale military exercises with allies, presenting operational challenges for the Pacific Fleet, potentially limiting its maneuverability and strategic capabilities. The conclusion underscores the increasing complexity of the security environment, driven by Washington’s efforts to maintain its influence and counter perceived threats from China and Russia, which leads to an escalated risk of military confrontations in the region.
Keywords: USA, Japan, South Korea, Russia’s Pacific Fleet, military cooperation, missile defense systems, naval power, arms race
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