The U.S.-Japan alliance was highlighted as being stronger than ever during a meeting between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo. The two officials emphasized their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region and celebrated the accomplishments made over the past four years. These achievements included enhancements to force posture, defense industrial agreements, and upgrades to command and control. The partnership between Japan and the U.S. has also extended to other countries in the region, such as Australia, the Philippines, and South Korea, with a commitment to further building on this progress.
Secretary Austin acknowledged the challenges to peace and stability posed by coercive behavior from China in the East China Sea and South China Sea, as well as threats from Russia and North Korea. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence and resolve in meeting them and reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to its extended deterrence commitment to Japan and the Republic of Korea. Austin also met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The U.S. remains dedicated to advancing its trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea as part of its efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region.
During his visit to Japan, Secretary Austin received a classified briefing on the Army’s initiatives in Japan and engaged with soldiers from U.S. Army Japan and the Army’s 5th Composite Watercraft Company. The activation of the 5th Composite Watercraft Company outside of the United States marked an important milestone following the 2023 U.S.-Japan 2+2 meeting. Austin also visited Yokota Air Base, where he met with Air Force Lt. Gen. Stephen F. Jost to discuss defense activities across the alliance and efforts to upgrade U.S. Forces Japan to a Joint Force Headquarters. The United States is working with Japan to enhance alliance command and control by refining requirements for the reconstitution of U.S. Forces Japan into a joint force headquarters, which will enable expanded missions and responsibilities.
Overall, Secretary Austin’s visit to Japan underscored the strength and importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance in promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries have made significant progress in enhancing their defense cooperation over the past few years, with a focus on addressing shared challenges and threats. The commitment to strengthening trilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea and other partners demonstrates a united front in the face of regional and global security concerns. The U.S. remains dedicated to upholding its extended deterrence commitment to Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as supporting initiatives to upgrade alliance command and control capabilities for effective joint operations.
