U.S. to Revamp Military Command Structure in Japan Amid Rising Regional Threats

The United States is set to announce a significant overhaul of its military command structure in Japan during high-level security talks in Tokyo on Sunday. This initiative aims to strengthen defense ties with Japan as the country prepares to establish a new joint headquarters for its armed forces by March. The move is a response to escalating threats from China and North Korea, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin engaging in discussions with Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara. The new command structure will be led by a three-star general, a rank lower than Japan's request for a four-star position. For the first time, the talks will address "extended deterrence," emphasizing the U.S. commitment to using its nuclear capabilities to protect its allies. Japan hosts 54,000 American troops and serves as a critical base for U.S. military operations in Asia, reflecting a shift from its postwar pacifism in light of China's military expansion and North Korea's missile tests. In addition to discussions with Japan, Austin and Kihara met with South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik to enhance trilateral cooperation, including real-time sharing of missile warning data and joint military exercises. This collaboration aims to solidify partnerships among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, despite historical tensions stemming from Japan's occupation of Korea. Furthermore, the Biden administration is looking to engage Japanese industry to alleviate pressures on U.S. defense companies, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Following the talks in Tokyo, Blinken and Austin will also meet with officials from the Philippines to further counter China's assertiveness in the region.