Does Japan's decision to build a naval base in Djibouti signal the decline of the United States Navy?
Japan is spending $40 million to build a base in Djibouti (on the northern border of Somalia), for its military personnel supporting the anti-piracy patrol. Most Japanese military personnel in the area are at sea, in warships. But now they have a place ashore to for supplies and maintenance facilities. Japan also has maritime patrol aircraft in Djibouti. All this is to help protect Japanese maritime trade, which is considerable.
Up till now, our allies could trust our capability and will to protect trade across the high seas.
