US skips Japan security forum for first time allies express concern

Photo:Reuters

For the first time, the United States has not sent any military officers or government leaders to a major international security meeting. The event, called the Pacific Future Forum, took place this week in Japan aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, which is currently in Tokyo Bay.

This annual forum brings together defence ministers, military chiefs, and security experts from Asia, Europe, and other regions. Normally, the US always takes part, but this year, its absence surprised and worried many of its allies.

Why is this important?

The Pacific Future Forum is seen as one of the most important platforms where Western nations and Asian partners meet to discuss defence cooperation, new security challenges, and future military strategies. It was first held in 2018 and usually happens in Europe under the name Atlantic Future Forum. This year, it was moved to Asia because the UK aircraft carrier is on a long tour in the Pacific and has been joining military drills in Australia.

In previous years, the US always participated with senior officers and diplomats. For example, last year, Major General Robert Sofge from the US Marine Corps attended the meeting. But this time, even though Vice-Admiral Fred W. Kacher, the commander of the US Seventh Fleet, was invited, he did not appear and no American officials were sent.

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What are people saying?

Some experts and former officials have openly criticized Washington’s decision. A former US admiral, Mark Montgomery, said during another discussion that he felt “ashamed” that his country did not send anyone. He explained that these forums are valuable chances for the US to show its commitment to working with its partners.

Security analysts also pointed out that this decision comes at a sensitive time. Tensions in Asia are rising due to concerns over China’s growing power and military presence. Many believe this was the wrong moment for the US to stay silent on such a big stage.

Professor Alessio Patalano, an expert in East Asian military strategy, said it was “remarkable” that America missed the opportunity to stand alongside allies like Japan, the UK, and NATO representatives. According to him, such a move sends the wrong signal, especially when closer cooperation is needed more than ever.

The bigger picture

This is not the first time the US has withdrawn from international security forums recently. Earlier this year, the Pentagon stopped its participation in a well-known security conference in Colorado, saying that it promoted “globalist ideas” and did not respect American values or the President of the United States. Reports later suggested that the US Defence Department even issued a memo suspending participation in privately organised events.

However, the Pacific Future Forum is not a private event — it is officially organized by governments. This makes the US absence even more striking.

At the same time, other countries have also started stepping back from such gatherings. In May, China did not send its top military representative to another big meeting, the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Analysts now worry that if major powers stop engaging in these forums, cooperation and trust between nations could weaken.

What this means for allies

For partners like Japan and the UK, the US no-show was a disappointment. The forum was meant to highlight unity among Western nations and their Asian allies at a time when regional tensions are rising. Instead, the absence left a gap and raised questions about Washington’s commitment.

Still, the Pacific Future Forum continued with strong participation from European and Asian representatives. Defence ministers from both Japan and the UK spoke about strengthening cooperation, and other military leaders from allied nations joined the discussions.

Why this matters to the world

The US skipping the Pacific Future Forum is not just about one meeting. It represents how America is rethinking its role in international gatherings. Some observers believe this may be linked to the country’s internal political debates and changing views on globalism. Others warn that if the US distances itself from such platforms, it could reduce its influence in regions like East Asia, where military alliances are vital to balance rising threats.

For now, allies are left wondering if this is a one-time decision or if it marks the beginning of a larger shift in US strategy toward global defence cooperation.