US to revamp military command in Japan amid China’s threats
Al Jazeera
The US defence chief says the US command’s upgrade in Japan is the most significant progress in their alliance.
The United States has announced plans to overhaul its military command in Japan to bolster defence cooperation as the two countries face what they call the greatest strategic challenge from China.
“The United States will upgrade the US Forces Japan to a joint force headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities,” US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told reporters on Sunday after the so-called “2+2” talks between the defence and foreign ministers from the two countries in Tokyo.
“This will be the most significant change to US Forces Japan since its creation and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years.”
The US has about 54,000 military personnel in Japan who currently report back to the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii (INDOPACOM), some 6,500km (4,000 miles) away and 19 hours behind. The move will give the US Forces Japan greater capability while still reporting to INDOPACOM.
The revamp comes after Russia said it was committed to strengthening military ties with North Korea. Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea last month as Moscow tries to boost ties with Pyongyang amid its freezing ties with the West. Moscow has also bolstered its ties with Beijing in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.
