The allies also say China's foreign policy seeks to reshape the global order at the expense of others.
– Japan and its security ally, the United States, singled out China as “the greatest strategic challenge in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond” on July 28, as they unveiled their “most significant” defence overhaul to foster better interoperability.
In response to what the ministers described as “the profound level of global threats”, Washington said it will revamp its military command structure in Japan and strengthen the production of American weapons in Japan., the westernmost of which lies just 110km from Taiwan, including through joint exercises and shared use of facilities.
Mr Kihara and Mr Austin had, earlier on July 28, also met South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik in Tokyo, during what was the first South Korean defence ministerial visit to the Japanese capital in 15 years. Analysts noted that Japan plays a significant role given its geographical proximity to potential flashpoints like Taiwan and the South China Sea, as well as to the perceived threats of China, North Korea and Russia.
Japan hosts 54,000 American troops, as well as hundreds of US aircraft and Washington’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group. Tokyo is separately due to launch a new joint command to oversee its nearly 228,000 personnel by March 2025.
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