New Military Command Structure Agreed Upon by US and Japan

July 29, 2024 TruthUSA

US Forces Japan will be transformed into a joint force headquarters unit under the authority of the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The United States and Japan are establishing a new military command structure to deter Chinese communist aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

The restructuring will convert the approximately 50,000-strong U.S. Forces Japan into a joint force headquarters unit under the authority of the commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Announced on July 28, the creation of the new joint force followed a ministerial meeting of top diplomatic and defense officials from the United States and Japan in Tokyo over the weekend.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated that this reorganization would help both allies modernize their forces and enhance interoperability between their militaries.

During a press conference on July 28, Mr. Austin emphasized, “This will be the most substantial transformation to U.S. Forces Japan since its inception and a significant enhancement of our military partnership with Japan over the past 70 years.”

“We applaud this historic decision to modernize our alliance command and control for meeting present and future challenges,” he added.

Mr. Austin revealed that the new joint force headquarters would be implemented in phases under the leadership of a three-star officer and would mirror Japan’s own Joint Operations Command.

As per a fact sheet provided by the Pentagon, the new headquarters will play a crucial role in enhancing bilateral training, exercises, and operations. Both countries will also increase their presence in Japan’s Ryukyu Arc, an archipelago that extends to within 70 miles of Taiwan at its southwesternmost point.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko emphasized the importance of the agreement to counter the escalating aggression of authoritarian powers in the region, such as China, North Korea, and Russia.

“In light of the regional security situation, we acknowledged the serious concerns posed by China’s external posture and military activities aimed at reshaping the international order to serve its own interests for us, the region, and the international community,” Mr. Kamikawa stated through an interpreter.

A joint statement by U.S. and Japanese officials echoed that the new command and reinforcements were partly based on “assessments of an increasingly deteriorating regional security environment.”

The statement highlighted communist China’s significant nuclear expansion, North Korea’s efforts to develop its nuclear arsenal, and Russia’s illicit arms deals with North Korea as key reasons for the heightened security concerns.

Consequently, the leaders announced plans for Japan and the United States to collaborate on increasing the co-production of essential missile capabilities, including the Patriot system, and to enhance cooperation in cybersecurity, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“We are strengthening our joint ability to deter and respond to coercive actions in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” Mr. Austin affirmed.

“Our reinforcement of the rules-based global order that ensures the safety of all is crucial. The agreements reached today will uphold the U.S.–Japan alliance as a cornerstone of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” he concluded.

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