U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed Japan’s critical role in countering Chinese military assertiveness, announcing the initiation of a strategic upgrade to the U.S. military command in the country.

"We share a warrior ethos that defines our forces," Hegseth stated during talks with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo. "Japan is our indispensable partner in deterring communist Chinese military aggression," particularly in the Taiwan Strait.

Emphasizing Japan’s status as the "cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific," Hegseth assured that President Donald Trump’s administration remains committed to strengthening ties with its key Asian ally.

U.S.-Japan Military Revamp Underway

In July, the Biden administration had laid the groundwork for a major restructuring of U.S. military operations in Japan to enhance joint coordination. This overhaul will establish a combined operational commander in Japan, serving as a counterpart to the newly formed joint operations command of Japan's Self-Defense Forces.

Bolstering Military Presence in Japan

Hegseth’s endorsement of Japan starkly contrasts with his criticisms of European allies in February, where he warned against assuming indefinite U.S. military presence. Trump has previously voiced concerns over the U.S.-Japan security treaty, arguing that it lacks reciprocity and that Tokyo should contribute more financially to hosting American forces.

Currently, Japan accommodates 50,000 U.S. military personnel, alongside squadrons of fighter jets and Washington’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group, strategically positioned along its 3,000-km (1,900-mile) archipelago, limiting China's regional military influence.

Amid these developments, Japan is doubling its defense budget and investing in longer-range missiles, though its military capabilities remain constrained by a post-World War II U.S.-drafted constitution, which renounces war as a means of conflict resolution.

New Defense Collaborations

Hegseth and Nakatani agreed to expedite joint production of beyond-visual-range air-to-air AMRAAM missiles and explore cooperation on SM-6 surface-to-air defense missile manufacturing, addressing global munitions shortages.

Additionally, Hegseth requested expanded access to Japan’s strategic southwest islands, which are situated along the East China Sea near Taiwan, a key flashpoint in rising U.S.-China tensions.

Signal Chat Controversy Overshadows Trip

Hegseth’s Asia visit, which included a stop in the Philippines and a memorial service at Iwo Jima, has been marred by controversy. Reports surfaced that he had shared details of impending U.S. strikes on Yemen via Signal, an encrypted messaging app. The group chat reportedly included figures such as DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

When asked on Sunday whether he had posted classified information, Hegseth declined to respond. Gabbard later told Congress that the defense secretary ultimately determines what constitutes classified defense information.

China’s foreign ministry has not yet issued a statement on these developments.