Categories: World News

In historic move, U.S. to upgrade military command structure in Japan


In one of the biggest upgrades to the U.S.-Japan alliance since its inception, the U.S. will revamp its command in Japan, giving it a “direct leadership role” over American forces in operational planning in both peacetime and in potential crises, the countries’ defense chiefs and top diplomats announced Sunday, as the allies’ look to counter what they say is an increasingly assertive China.

The announcement, which came after “two-plus-two” talks between Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and their U.S. counterparts, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, was among a number of fresh defense and security initiatives unveiled after the meeting, the first since January last year.

“The United States will upgrade the U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) to a joint force headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities,” Austin told a joint news conference after the meeting. “This will be the most significant change to U.S. Forces Japan since its creation — one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years.”



Source link

Recent Posts

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,033

Here are the key developments on the 1,033rd day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Here is the situation on Monday, December… Read More

3 hours ago

Small plane crashes into Brazilian city, killing all 10 people on board

CNN  —  A small plane has crashed into an urban center in the southern Brazilian city of Gramado, killing all… Read More

15 hours ago

Will the Christmas market attack divide Germans further over immigration? | Crime

German authorities say the suspect supports a right-wing party.German authorities say the psychiatrist accused of a ramming attack in Magdeburg… Read More

15 hours ago

China says US ‘playing with fire’ by giving Taiwan more military aid

Beijing calls on the US to stop ‘dangerous moves’ that ‘undermine peace and stability’ in the Taiwan Strait.China has warned… Read More

20 hours ago

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,032

Here are the key developments on the 1,032nd day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.Here is the situation on Sunday, December… Read More

1 day ago

Inside the Final Days of the Assad Regime in Syria

As rebels advanced toward the Syrian capital of Damascus on Dec. 7, the staff in the hilltop Presidential Palace prepared… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.