By Tim Kelly
TOKYO (Multibagger) - The United States has called on Japan to appoint representatives for a joint task force responsible for determining the location and resources for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief hub that they have agreed to establish in Japan.
According to letters viewed by Multibagger, US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has requested Japan's foreign and defense ministers, Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara, to provide the names of four Japanese officials at their "earliest convenience" and has encouraged them to propose a date for the first task force meeting.
"The effects of climate change are causing devastation and destruction to communities worldwide with increasing frequency and severity," Emanuel told Multibagger in a separate statement.
The emergency supplies at the hub could potentially be utilized to aid civilians displaced by any conflict in Asia. The commitment made in April by US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to establish the facility came amidst growing concerns about Chinese military exercises near Taiwan.
In his letter, Emanuel mentioned that he, along with Lieutenant General Roger Turner, the US Marine Corps commander in Japan, Colonel Patrick Biggs, the head of the US Army Corps of Engineers in the country, and regional USAID chief, Heath Cosgrove, would be representing Washington on the task force.
Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Analysis: The United States has urged Japan to name representatives for a joint task force aimed at establishing a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief hub in Japan. This initiative comes amidst escalating concerns about the impact of climate change and potential conflicts in Asia. The collaboration between the two countries, led by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, highlights the importance of preparedness and cooperation in addressing global challenges. The establishment of this hub could have significant implications for providing aid and support to communities affected by disasters and conflicts in the region.