Hegseth announces plan for US command upgrades in Japan to deter China

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has unveiled a plan to enhance the U.S. military command in Japan, emphasizing the country’s critical role in countering Chinese aggression. In a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo, Hegseth praised Japan as an essential partner in deterring communist Chinese military threats, particularly in the Taiwan Strait.

Hegseth highlighted the shared warrior ethos between the U.S. and Japan, underscoring Japan’s significance as a cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. He reassured that the Trump administration would continue to collaborate closely with Japan to address security challenges effectively.

Last year, the Biden administration announced a significant restructuring of the U.S. military command in Japan to strengthen coordination with Japanese forces, acknowledging China as their greatest strategic challenge. As part of this restructuring, a combined operational commander will be stationed in Japan, aligning with Japan’s establishment of a joint operations command.

The U.S.-Japan defense treaty, which commits the U.S. to defend Japan, has come under scrutiny in the past, with former President Donald Trump urging Japan to contribute more financially to host U.S. troops. Japan currently hosts 50,000 U.S. military personnel, along with fighter jets and the only forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group in East Asia.

Despite Japan’s increased military spending and efforts to acquire longer-range missiles, its military operations are constrained by its constitution, which prohibits the initiation of war. Nevertheless, Hegseth and Nakatani have agreed to expedite joint production of air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles to address munition shortages.

During his visit to Asia, Hegseth also met with officials in the Philippines before traveling to Japan. He paid homage at a memorial service on Iwo Jima, commemorating the historic battle between U.S. and Japanese forces eight decades ago.

The collaboration between the U.S. and Japan underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations in promoting regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The ongoing efforts to enhance military coordination and capabilities reflect a shared commitment to safeguarding common interests and deterring potential threats in the region.