Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the importance of Japan as a partner in deterring Chinese military aggression in the region during his visit to Tokyo. He announced the upgrading of the U.S. military command in Japan to a new “war-fighting headquarters” to strengthen joint operational capabilities. Both countries agreed to accelerate plans to jointly develop and produce missiles, as well as enhance maintenance processes for U.S. warships and warplanes in Japan.
The U.S. and Japan decided to upgrade their military command structures to bolster their response capabilities under the Biden administration. Japan recently launched the Japan Joint Operations Command to coordinate its Self-Defense Forces, while the U.S. is reorganizing its troops to be prepared for potential conflicts.
Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani also discussed the need to strengthen defense posture on the Southwestern islands to deter Chinese aggression. They highlighted the importance of maintaining robust deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Taiwan Strait, where Japan would play a frontline role in any potential contingency.
Hegseth reaffirmed U.S. commitment to providing military support to Taiwan, in line with a 1979 law, despite China’s opposition to arms sales to the island. The visit also included a joint memorial to commemorate the Battle of Iwo Jima, marking the 80th anniversary of the historic conflict. Hegseth’s visit to the Philippines prior to Japan further demonstrated the U.S.’s commitment to strengthening ties with countries facing maritime disputes with China.
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