US Plans To Increase Its Military Command In Japan, Defense Secretary Austin Says Not Because Of China's Threat

2+2 meeting between the United States and Japan. (Twitter/@SecDef)

JAKARTA - The United States on Sunday announced plans for a massive reshuffle of its military command in Japan, in order to deepen coordination with its allied forces, anticipating China as the "biggest strategic challenge" facing the region.

The announcement follows security talks between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin with their Japanese partners, Yoko Kamikawa and Minuru Kihara in Tokyo.

"The United States will increase US Troops in Japan to the headquarters of a joint force with expanded operational missions and responsibilities," Defense Secretary Austin told reporters after a "2+2" talk.

"This will be the most significant change for US Troops in Japan since its formation and one of the strongest improvements in our military relations with Japan in 70 years," he explained.

Defense Secretary Austin said the increase in command was "not based on any threat from China", but reflected the ally's desire to work more closely and effectively.

The United States and Japan face a complex security environment that demands an integrated approach.Today’s ministerial-level meeting on extended deterrence was important for this very reason. pic.twitter.com/qMS9kBdwbg

— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) July 28, 2024

The United States and Japan face a complex security environment that demands an integrated approach.Today's ministerial-level meeting on extended determination was imported for this very reason. pic.twitter.com/qMS9kBdwbg

The ministers said in a joint statement the new command structure would be carried out in parallel to Tokyo's own plans to form a joint command for its troops by March 2025.

The reshuffle is one of several steps taken to address what these countries call a growing security environment, taking into account the various threats from China's superpowers.

The statement criticized what he called Beijing's "provocative" behavior in the South and East China Seas, joint military exercises with Russia, and the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal.

"Beijing's foreign policy seeks to reshape the international order for its own benefit at the expense of other parties," the ministers said in their statement.

"Such behavior is a serious concern for the Alliance and the entire international community, and is the biggest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and its surroundings", they criticized.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Japan provides a base for Uncle Sam's country to project military force in Asia, housing 54,000 troops and hundreds of US aircraft, the only aircraft strike group Washington has deployed.

Japan's new US command will be led by a three-star general, a US official said. However, Defense Secretary Austin said the US would not rule out the possibility of placing a four-star commander in Japan in the future as has been done in neighboring South Korea.