In historic transfer, U.S. to improve army command construction in Japan

In one of many largest upgrades to the U.S.-Japan alliance since its inception, the U.S. will create a unified command throughout the present construction of its forces in Japan, the nations’ protection chiefs and high diplomats introduced Sunday, because the allies’ look to counter what they are saying is an more and more assertive China.

The announcement, which got here 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 amongst quite a lot of recent protection and safety initiatives unveiled after the assembly, the primary since January final yr.

“I imagine that our selections in the present day are at a pivotal level that may decide the longer term,” Kamikawa mentioned earlier than their assembly. “We should repeatedly strengthen our alliances and improve our deterrence capabilities to uphold the present worldwide order.”