- He announced that the US military command in Japan was being upgraded to a new “war-fighting headquarters” – with increased staff and authority for new missions
- After the meeting with Gen Nakatani, the Japanese defense minister, Mr. Hegseth struck a strident tone about the alliance, proclaiming that the United States would work with Japan to secure “peace through strength” that will deter the Chinese from taking action.
TOKYO (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Japan on Sunday an "indispensable partner" in deterring growing Chinese assertiveness in the region and announced upgrading the U.S. military command in Japan to a new "war-fighting headquarters."
- Hegseth, who is on his first Asia trip with Japan as his second stop, also stressed the need for both countries to do more to accelerate the strengthening of their military capability as the region faces China’s assertive military actions and a possible Taiwan emergency.
Observers warn of South China Sea, Taiwan uncertainties as US allies draw closer
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Hegseth stopped in the Philippines and Japan, both US treaty allies, during what was his first trip to Asia since taking office. In Manila on Friday, Hegseth highlighted the ironclad nature of the US-Philippine alliance as he pledged increased defence cooperation.
He also pledged to deploy modern US military capabilities in joint training and highlighted the need for improved interoperability in “high-end operations” to counter China’s presence in the region.
Calling Japan an “indispensable partner” amid growing Chinese assertiveness in the region, he announced that the US military command in Japan was being upgraded to a new “war-fighting headquarters” – with increased staff and authority for new missions.
On Friday, the Philippines and Japan staged joint naval drills with US forces in the disputed South China Sea, drawing strong criticism from Beijing, which has been involved in frequent confrontations with Manila around multiple contested reefs in the area.
Hegseth labeled Japan a “cornerstone of peace and security” in the region, signaling that President Donald Trump’s administration will continue close cooperation with Tokyo, maintaining longstanding U.S. defense policies in Asia. His remarks reinforce the U.S. commitment to regional stability amid rising tensions with China over Taiwan and the South China Sea.
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