TOKYO (AP) – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled Japan as an “indispensable partner” on Sunday, highlighting its critical role in countering the rising assertiveness of China in the region. During his visit, he announced the elevation of the U.S. military command in Japan to a new “war-fighting headquarters.” Hegseth, on his first trip to Asia, made Japan his second stop, where he emphasized that both nations need to enhance their military capabilities due to the increasing Chinese military activities and a potential emergency regarding Taiwan.

“Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring Communist Chinese military aggression,” Hegseth stated at the outset of his discussions with Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo. He expressed that the U.S. is rapidly moving to reestablish deterrence in the region and worldwide.

His remarks come at a time when Japan is concerned about potential changes in U.S. engagement under President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy. Japanese defense officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to protocol, indicated that there is unease regarding Trump’s threats to impose trade tariffs on Japan, a key ally of the U.S., which adds to their concerns.

The discussions also led to an agreement to accelerate plans for jointly developing and producing missiles, such as Advanced Medium-Range Air to Air Missiles (MRAAM), and to consider producing SM-6 surface-to-air missiles, as stated by Nakatani. This cooperation aims to alleviate the current shortage of munitions and will involve speeding up maintenance processes for U.S. warships and aircraft stationed in Japan, thereby enhancing collaboration between Japanese and U.S. defense industries.

In July, Japan and the U.S. agreed to upgrade the command and control systems of the Japanese military along with U.S. forces based in Japan, a significant move under the Biden administration aimed at strengthening joint operational and response capabilities. The country hosts more than 50,000 U.S. troops.

Recently, Japan announced the establishment of the Japan Joint Operations Command (JJOC), designed to improve coordination among the Japanese Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces. This initiative marks a vital step towards enhancing response capabilities and cooperation with U.S. forces.

During this visit, Hegseth outlined the upgrade of the existing U.S. Forces Japan command, introducing a unified operational commander to function as a joint force headquarters. This new structure is set to enhance coordination with Japanese counterparts and act as a “war-fighting headquarters” to improve the speed and effectiveness of joint operations.

The Pentagon chief noted that this reorganization of U.S. troops is part of preparations for potential conflict scenarios. He reiterated that while both nations strive for peace, they must also be ready for any eventuality.

Japanese defense officials indicated there would not be any significant changes in their responsibilities or an increase in U.S. troop numbers stationed in Japan. Hegseth and Nakatani jointly announced their agreement to strengthen Japan’s defense posture on the Southwestern islands, situated in strategic locations along disputed areas in the East China Sea and near Taiwan, as a means to increase deterrence against China.

Hegseth emphasized the importance of “sustaining, robust, ready and credible deterrence” in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly across the Taiwan Strait, asserting that Japan would be on the frontlines should any contingency arise in the western Pacific.

China continues to claim Taiwan as its own territory, and the U.S. is bound by a 1979 law to provide Taiwan with the necessary military equipment and technology to deter invasion. This U.S. arms support for Taiwan consistently faces strong opposition from Beijing.

On the preceding Saturday, Hegseth participated in a joint memorial with Japan to honor fallen soldiers from the Battle of Iwo Jima, commemorating the 80th anniversary of one of World War II's most brutal battles. He praised the enduring alliance between the two nations that were once adversaries.

Prior to his arrival in Japan, Hegseth visited the Philippines, reaffirming the commitment to enhance ties with the Southeast Asian nation, which is currently addressing maritime disputes with Beijing.