US-Japan partnership strengthens to deter Chinese aggression

The United States and Japan share a common “warrior ethos” in addressing Chinese aggression, particularly in the Taiwan Strait, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo, Hegseth emphasized Japan's crucial role in countering China’s military expansion in the region, calling the country an “indispensable partner.” He reaffirmed America's commitment to maintaining a strong, credible deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, including safeguarding Taiwan.

Over recent years, China has amplified its military activity near Taiwan, with frequent air incursions and an open stance on potentially using force to assert control over the island. In response, the Biden administration proposed reforms to the U.S. military presence in Japan to strengthen coordination with Japan's forces, recognizing China as a significant strategic threat.

However, analysts are concerned that former President Donald Trump’s “America first” policy may undermine U.S. security commitments in the region. Japan currently hosts 50,000 U.S. military personnel, with a significant presence in Okinawa. In March, Trump criticized the U.S.-Japan security alliance, accusing Japan of not adequately contributing to Washington’s defense efforts.

Hegseth attributed the perception of U.S. weakness under the Biden administration to a lack of preparedness to deter potential conflicts. He stressed the importance of building a robust alliance to ensure both real and perceived deterrence against Chinese aggression.

In addition to military cooperation, both countries are accelerating plans to jointly produce advanced air-to-air missiles and explore the development of surface-to-air defense systems to address growing ammunition shortages. Hegseth expressed confidence that Japan would make the necessary decisions to enhance their collective defense capabilities.

Amid these developments, Japan is also dealing with Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on auto imports, set to take effect on April 3, which adds another layer of tension to the U.S.-Japan relationship.