In brief
The Secretary discusses plans for joint military operations and command structure, emphasizing unity in defense.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth concluded his inaugural official trip to Asia in Tokyo on Sunday, where he reassured Japan of a reinforced military alliance against China's growing assertiveness. After an extensive 85-minute meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, Hegseth committed to enhancing security cooperation, including accelerating the establishment of a new joint military command in Tokyo dubbed a “war-fighting headquarters.” While details of its activation remain undisclosed, he confirmed an increase in joint exercises around Okinawa and nearby areas.Hegseth's trip followed a visit to the Philippines, another vital U.S. ally, where he aimed to quell worries about the Trump administration's dedication to regional security. With apprehension rising among Japanese officials over U.S. diplomatic overtures to Russia regarding Ukraine, there are growing fears that this might incite China to make aggressive moves against Taiwan.In his remarks after meeting with Nakatani, Hegseth espoused a strong commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance, advocating for “peace through strength.” He firmly stated, “America first does not mean America alone.” The Secretary highlighted the resolve shared by both nations to counter China’s coercive actions. Notably, Hegseth did not comment on issues surrounding a recent incident involving the sharing of sensitive military information through a messaging app that included a journalist.
