To enhance the U.S. military command in Japan, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a plan that underscores Japan’s essential role in countering Chinese aggression. He emphasized that Japan is an indispensable partner to the U.S., particularly in deterring military threats from China, including those poses across the Taiwan Strait. Hegseth praised Japan as a cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, stating that the Trump administration will continue its close collaboration with Japan. The plan includes the establishment of a combined operational commander in Japan, which will have a reciprocal counterpart in Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. This strategic upgrade highlights the increasing military cooperation between the two nations amid tensions with China.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/hegseth-announces-plan-us-command-upgrades-japan-deter-china