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Defense Secretary Hegseth Strengthens US-Japan Alliance Amid China Concerns
Tokyo – US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo on Sunday, emphasizing Japan’s crucial role in countering Chinese military expansion. Hegseth praised Japan as an “indispensable partner” in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly regarding deterring Chinese aggression, including potential action against Taiwan.
Echoing the Biden administration’s identification of China as the “greatest strategic challenge,” Hegseth confirmed plans to bolster the US military command in Japan. This restructuring, announced last year, will establish a combined operational commander in Japan, mirroring Japan’s recent creation of a joint operations command. This move aims to deepen coordination between US and Japanese forces.
Hegseth and Nakatani also discussed collaborative defense projects. They agreed to expedite joint production of AMRAAM air-to-air missiles and explore cooperation on SM-6 surface-to-air missiles to address munitions shortages. Hegseth also requested greater access for US forces to Japan’s strategically important southwest islands near Taiwan and the East China Sea.
Hegseth’s visit to Japan follows a trip to the Philippines, further solidifying US alliances in the region. On Saturday, he participated in a memorial service on Iwo Jima, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the battle.
Hegseth’s strong endorsement of the US-Japan alliance stands in contrast to his recent remarks urging European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense. It also appears to signal a shift from former President Trump’s demands for increased Japanese financial contributions to hosting US troops.
Currently, Japan hosts 50,000 US military personnel, fighter jet squadrons, and a forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group, forming a significant check on Chinese military power. This comes as Japan is doubling its military spending, although its operational capabilities remain constrained by its post-World War II constitution.