US, Japan Defense Ministers Pledge Enhanced Military Alliance

During their inaugural phone conversation, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani expressed a strong commitment to strengthening the US-Japan alliance, particularly in response to rising military threats from China. They discussed enhancing joint military presence in the East China Sea, reaffirming that the US-Japan defense treaty covers the disputed Senkaku Islands, and emphasized the importance of improving command and control structures. Hegseth's confirmation as defense secretary follows a tumultuous political environment, including his controversial past and the implications of Trump's 'America First' policy on regional security funding. Both ministers acknowledged the increasing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and committed to further collaboration to ensure a free and open region. They also expressed intentions to hold an in-person meeting soon, signaling a proactive approach to defense cooperation. Tensions in the region remain high, with frequent intrusions by Chinese vessels near the Senkaku Islands.