Hegseth Reinforces U.S.-Japan Military Alliance Amidst Regional Tensions

During his first official trip to Asia, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth assured Japan of the Trump administration's commitment to bolstering military alliances aimed at countering an assertive China, highlighting plans for a new joint military command.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth concluded his inaugural visit to Asia on Sunday, delivering assurances to Japan regarding President Trump's dedication to fortifying military alliances in response to rising Chinese assertiveness. Meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Hegseth emphasized a commitment to enhancing security cooperation as part of the administration's strategic approach.

The discussions, which spanned 85 minutes in Tokyo, underscored the urgency for a robust U.S.-Japan defense strategy, particularly given recent concerns over shifting U.S. foreign policies in Europe potentially signaling a departure from important alliances. Hegseth confirmed that the Trump administration intends to expedite the establishment of a new United States-Japan military command in Tokyo, referred to as a “war-fighting headquarters,” although specific timelines for operational readiness were not disclosed.

In addition to establishing the joint command, Hegseth indicated that both nations would engage in increased military exercises around the Okinawa islands, located near Taiwan, amidst persistent threats from China regarding its territorial claims over the self-governing island.

Having transitioned to Japan from the Philippines, Hegseth aimed to alleviate rising concerns about the U.S.'s steadfastness in the region's security framework. Japanese officials privately expressed apprehension that any concessions made by the U.S. might embolden China's intentions toward Taiwan.

During the press briefing following his meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, Hegseth took a resolute stance on the U.S.-Japan alliance, declaring that the United States would collaborate closely with Japan to ensure "peace through strength" and deter potentially aggressive actions from China. Notably, he stated, “America first does not mean America alone,” reinforcing the solidarity between the two nations against coercive tactics employed by the Chinese government.

However, the defense secretary did not address inquiries regarding concerns over a reported incident involving him sharing military information via the Signal messaging app, which included interactions with a journalist. The implications of such disclosures remain uncertain as discussions about military readiness and intelligence-sharing protocols continue within the defense establishment.