In response to growing concerns about China's military expansion, the United States and Japan are set to unveil a plan to restructure the U.S. military command in Japan. The plan, which will be announced on April 10th, aims to enhance operational planning and military exercises between the two countries.
Japan, a close ally of the United States, plays a crucial role in the U.S. strategy towards China, North Korea, and other Asian security issues. The U.S. has strongly supported Japan's military buildup, which includes a pledge to double its defense spending and procure missiles capable of striking targets up to 1,000 kilometers away.
Japan has expressed concerns about China's rapidly expanding military power, appointing a serving government official as its de facto defense attache in Taiwan and congratulating Taiwan's new president-elect. These actions have drawn criticism from China, which claims Taiwan as its own.
Despite not having official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Japan has pursued closer ties due to its proximity, historical ties, alliance with the United States, and recent tensions with China.