Countering the Threat from China: The U.S. Strengthens Its Military Presence in Japan.

Defense Minister Pete Gaynor announced that the United States has begun modernizing its operations in Japan for a new 'combat command'. This confirms the Trump administration's focus on China as the primary security challenge.

'America and Japan stand firm together in the face of aggressive and coercive actions by communist China,' Gaynor said.

Gaynor stated that the U.S. will add more personnel to the new command in Japan, which will manage the U.S. military's response to crises in the region and cooperate with the Japanese military command. The U.S. armed forces in Japan will become a 'combat headquarters' to enhance readiness to respond to unforeseen situations and assist Japan and U.S. forces in defending the territory.

This visit to Japan is seen as a promise from the U.S. to remain active in the region. The joint statement from the U.S. and Japanese defense ministers confirms the increase in the U.S. military presence in Japan and improved cooperation between the two countries.

'Together, we reaffirmed our determination to strengthen our defense capabilities and joint efforts by Japan and the U.S. for deterrence and response,' said the Japanese defense minister.

The U.S. maintains the largest permanent military presence in Japan, with over 53,000 American troops stationed at bases across the country. Japan also helps cover the costs of U.S. military bases in the country.