logo
US defence secretary praises ‘indispensable partner' Japan

US defence secretary praises ‘indispensable partner' Japan

Yahoo30-03-2025

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has called Japan an 'indispensable partner' in deterring growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.
Mr Hegseth announced upgrading the US military command in Japan to a new 'war-fighting headquarters'.
On his first Asia trip with Japan as his second stop, Mr Hegseth also stressed the need for both countries to do more to accelerate the strengthening of their military capability as the region faces China's assertive military actions and a possible Taiwan emergency.
'Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring communist Chinese military aggression,' Mr Hegseth said at the beginning of his talks with Japan's defence minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo.
'The US is moving fast, as you know, to re-establish deterrence in this region and around the world.'
His comments come as an assurance at a time when Japan has been worried about how US engagement in the region may change under President Donald Trump's 'America First' policy, Japanese defence officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Mr Trump has also threatened to impose trade tariffs on Japan, a key US ally, sparking more concern.
The two sides agreed to accelerate plans to jointly develop and produce missiles such as advanced medium-range air to air missiles (MRAAM) and consider producing SM-6 surface-to-air missiles, to help ease a shortage of munitions, Mr Nakatani said.
The ministers also agreed to speed up the process involving the maintenance of US warships and warplanes in Japan to strengthen and complement Japanese and US defence industries.
Japan and the US decided in July to upgrade the command and control of the Japanese military as well as US forces in the east Asian country, under the Biden administration, a major structural change aimed at bolstering joint operational and response capabilities. Japan is home to more than 50,000 US troops.
Tokyo last week launched the Japan joint operations command (JJOC), whose mission is to co-ordinate Japanese ground, maritime and air self-defence forces, in a significant action to further strengthen capabilities to respond to contingencies and better co-operate with the US.
Mr Hegseth announced on Sunday the upgrading of its current command, US Forces Japan, by placing a unified operational commander to function as a joint force headquarters to liaise with its Japanese counterpart to serve as 'war-fighting headquarters' to bolster speed and capability of their troops' joint operations.
The Pentagon chief said the reorganisation of US troops is a step to better prepare for a possible conflict. America and Japan both work for peace, but 'we must be prepared,' he said.
Japanese defence officials say they are not expecting a significant change in their responsibilities or an increase in US troops in Japan.
Mr Hegseth and Mr Nakatani told a joint news conference they have also agreed on the need to beef up Japan's defence posture on the Southwestern islands, which are in critical locations along the disputed areas in the East China Sea and near Taiwan to further step up deterrence against China.
He stressed the need to have 'sustaining, robust, ready and credible deterrence' in the Indo-Pacific, including across the Taiwan Strait, as 'Japan would be on the front lines of any contingency we might face in the western Pacific'.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory.
The US is obligated under a 1979 law to provide Taiwan with sufficient military hardware and technology to deter invasion, and its arm sales to Taiwan have always drawn strong opposition from Beijing.
On Saturday, he joined the US-Japan joint memorial to honour the war dead in the Battle of Iwo Jima as they marked the 80th anniversary of the end of one of the fiercest battles of the Second World War, praising the strong alliance between the former enemies.
Before landing in Japan, Mr Hegseth stopped in the Philippines, where he also ensured Mr Trump's commitment to step up ties with the south-east Asian country that faces maritime disputes with Beijing.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Minda Corporation forms joint venture with Toyodenso to manufacture advanced automotive switches in India
Minda Corporation forms joint venture with Toyodenso to manufacture advanced automotive switches in India

Business Upturn

time3 minutes ago

  • Business Upturn

Minda Corporation forms joint venture with Toyodenso to manufacture advanced automotive switches in India

Minda Corporation has entered into a strategic joint venture with Japan-based Toyodenso to provide end-to-end solutions for the Indian automotive switch market. The partnership will cover design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced automotive switches for two-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and other automotive segments. Minda Corporation will hold a 60% majority stake in the joint venture, while Toyodenso will hold the remaining 40%. The venture has already secured orders from Indian customers and plans to set up a greenfield manufacturing facility in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Operations at the plant are expected to begin in the second half of FY 2026–27. This collaboration aligns with Minda Corporation's strategy to localize new technologies and expand its synergistic product portfolio. Toyodenso will contribute cutting-edge engineering and technology, while Minda Corporation will leverage its strength in localized manufacturing and supply chain management. The partnership is poised to meet the growing demand for technologically advanced switches in the Indian automotive sector. Ashok Minda, Chairman & Group CEO, Minda Corporation Limited, commented, 'We are very excited and privileged to partner with Toyodenso, a Global Japanese company with rich legacy of technological innovation. This partnership marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to drive smart mobility solutions while fostering indigenous manufacturing by integrating globally recognized technologies into India's automotive ecosystem.' Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at

China Releases Photos of Aircraft Carriers Beyond First Island Chain
China Releases Photos of Aircraft Carriers Beyond First Island Chain

Newsweek

time4 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

China Releases Photos of Aircraft Carriers Beyond First Island Chain

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. China released photos showing its aircraft carriers conducting "training exercises" in the western Pacific beyond the first island chain, which is intended to keep its navy in check. "The training complies with relevant international law and practice, and is not targeted at specific countries or entity," a Chinese navy spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday. Why It Matters The first island chain—comprising Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines—is one of three Pacific island defense lines established by the United States, utilizing its own territories as well as those of its allies and partners, with the goal of restricting China's naval activities. The Chinese navy, the largest in the world by hull count, deployed its aircraft carriers—CNS Liaoning and CNS Shandong—to the eastern side of the first island chain simultaneously for the first time over the weekend, challenging the U.S.'s naval dominance in the region. Meanwhile, the Liaoning became China's first aircraft carrier to be spotted operating in waters east of the second island chain, which stretches from Japan to New Guinea—north of Australia—via Guam, the westernmost U.S. territory that serves as a military hub. What To Know Senior Captain Wang Xuemeng, a spokesperson for the Chinese navy, confirmed in the statement that both the Liaoning and the Shandong had been deployed to the western Pacific Ocean in recent days to test their capabilities in "far-sea defense and joint operations." The spokesperson said the dual aircraft carrier deployment was a "routine arrangement included in the annual training plan," which sought to improve the ability of the Chinese navy—officially known as the People's Liberation Army Navy—to fulfill its missions. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conducting flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June. Chinese aircraft carriers CNS Liaoning, top, and CNS Shandong, bottom, conducting flight operations with J-15 fighter jets in the western Pacific Ocean in early June. Chinese military Official photos show both Chinese aircraft carriers launching J-15 fighter jets at an undisclosed location in the western Pacific Ocean during both day and night. A supply ship attached to one of the aircraft carriers was seen providing supplies to a destroyer. However, it remains unclear whether the Liaoning and the Shandong were operating in the same vicinity. They were last tracked underway on the eastern and western sides of the second island chain, respectively, according to a map published by Newsweek. Japan, a U.S. ally that tracks and monitors the Chinese navy, has made a "proper request" to China through diplomatic channels regarding the activities of the Chinese aircraft carriers, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said at a news conference on Tuesday. The Chinese supply ship CNS Hulunhu providing supplies to the destroyer CNS Wuxi in the western Pacific Ocean in early June. The Chinese supply ship CNS Hulunhu providing supplies to the destroyer CNS Wuxi in the western Pacific Ocean in early June. Chinese military "China intends to improve the operational capability of its two aircraft carriers and its ability to conduct operations in distant seas and airspace," the minister said, adding that Japan had both the will and the ability to deter unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. What People Are Saying Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Tuesday: "Let me reiterate that Chinese naval vessels' activities in those waters are fully consistent with international law and international practices. Our national defense policy is defensive in nature. We hope Japan will view those activities objectively and rationally." Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said on Tuesday: "In any case, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces will continue to closely monitor the movements of the Chinese Navy vessels, including these two aircraft carriers, and will take all possible measures to conduct surveillance activities." What Happens Next China's dual aircraft carrier deployment comes as two U.S. aircraft carriers—USS Nimitz and USS George Washington—are underway in separate areas of the western Pacific Ocean.

Chinese Auto Stocks Rise After Vow to Pay Suppliers on Time
Chinese Auto Stocks Rise After Vow to Pay Suppliers on Time

Wall Street Journal

time19 minutes ago

  • Wall Street Journal

Chinese Auto Stocks Rise After Vow to Pay Suppliers on Time

Shares of major Chinese automakers rose Wednesday as the companies pledged to shorten payment terms for suppliers amid an intensifying price war in the world's largest auto market. State-backed Guangzhou Automobile said late Tuesday that the company will commit to paying suppliers within 60 days, a move aimed at ensuring efficient capital flows across the auto industry's supply chains. Government-owned peers Dongfeng Motor and China FAW Group also released their own statements with the same message.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store