The United States on Sunday announced plans for a major reorganization of Japan's military command to deepen coordination with its allies' forces, as the two countries called China the "greatest strategic challenge" to the region.
US to overhaul Japan's military leadership amid Chinese threats
The announcement followed security talks in Tokyo between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Japanese counterparts Yoko Kamikawa and Minoru Kihara.
"The United States will upgrade the U.S. forces in Japan to a joint headquarters with expanded missions and operational responsibilities," Austin told reporters after the so-called "2+2" talks.
“This will be the most significant change for U.S. forces in Japan since its establishment and one of the strongest improvements in our military ties with Japan in 70 years.”
