The Growing U.S. - Japan Military Alliance

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates talks with Japanese Defense Mnister Kitazawa Toshimi at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Jan. 13, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jerry Morriso

Facing More Assertive China Military, US And Japan Push Back In The Pacific -- L.A. Times/AP

CAMP KENGUN, Japan (AP) — Here's the scenario: A southern Japanese island is under attack and American forces are coming to the rescue.

The potential enemy isn't identified on the maps flashing across computer screens, but the elephant in the room is obvious: It's "the big country to the west," says one U.S. military official.

China.

In keeping with the adage of hoping for the best while preparing for the worst, the U.S. and its Asian allies are boosting their defenses, even after American and Chinese leaders talked up the need for closer ties in two high-profile visits this month.

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My Comment: You can also throw in South Korea, Taiwan, India, Vietnam, and a whole lot of other Asian countries who are deeply concerned over China's assertive foreign policy, and wish to have closer ties to the U.S.