US Defense Secretary calls Japan "indispensable partner" In deterring Chinese military assertiveness

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described Japan on March 30 as an "indispensable partner" in efforts to deter China's growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Hegseth, who is currently on his first tour of Asia, announced the upgrading of the US military command in Japan to a new "war-fighting headquarters," Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

He emphasised the need for both nations to accelerate the enhancement of their military capabilities amid rising tensions.

Speaking at the start of his talks with Japan's Defence Minister, Gen Nakatani, in Tokyo, Hegseth asserted, "Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression." He continued, "The US is moving fast, as you know, to re-establish deterrence in this region and around the world."

Hegseth's remarks come at a time when Japan has expressed concerns over the potential changes in US policy under President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda. Japanese defence officials, who requested anonymity, highlighted uncertainties surrounding the future of US engagement in the region. Trump's threats of trade tariffs on Japan have added to these concerns.

The two countries agreed to expedite the joint development and production of key missile systems, such as the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (MRAAM) and the SM-6 surface-to-air missile, addressing the ongoing munitions shortage. Nakatani confirmed that discussions would also focus on enhancing the maintenance of US warships and warplanes stationed in Japan to bolster the capabilities of both nations' defence industries.

As part of efforts to reinforce their alliance, Japan and the US decided to upgrade the command and control systems of their military forces in Japan, under the Biden administration. This significant structural change aims to enhance the ability of both forces to operate jointly and respond to contingencies swiftly. The US maintains a presence of over 50,000 troops in Japan.

Last week, Japan launched the Japan Joint Operations Command (JJOC), which aims to streamline coordination between its Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defence Forces. This initiative is seen as a critical move to strengthen Japan’s defence posture and improve cooperation with the US.

During his visit, Hegseth also confirmed that the US Forces Japan will be reorganised into a unified operational command, with a joint force headquarters to enhance the speed and capability of operations with Japan’s forces. He emphasised that this reorganisation would better prepare both nations for potential conflict, asserting, "America and Japan both work for peace, but we must be prepared."

The US and Japan have also agreed to bolster Japan's defence capabilities on the southwestern islands, strategically located near disputed areas in the East China Sea and Taiwan. Hegseth underscored the importance of maintaining "sustaining, robust, ready, and credible deterrence" in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait, as "Japan would be on the frontlines of any contingency we might face in the western Pacific."

China has long claimed Taiwan as its own territory, and US arms sales to Taiwan, required by a 1979 law, have consistently drawn ire from Beijing.

Before arriving in Japan, Hegseth visited the Philippines, where he reaffirmed President Trump's commitment to enhancing ties with the Southeast Asian nation, which is involved in ongoing maritime disputes with China.

By Aghakazim Guliyev