US Approves Early F-35 Missile Delivery for Japan Amid Asia Security Focus

President Donald Trump visited the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, during his Asia tour, marking his first visit to Japan since returning to office amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions. He announced the approval and imminent delivery of advanced air-to-air missiles for Japan's F-35 fighter jets, underscoring a strengthened US-Japan defense partnership and praising Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Trump delivered a spirited speech to U.S. troops aboard the carrier, emphasizing the restoration of American military respect and a "peace through strength" message while criticizing political correctness in defense. The visit also featured a rare earth minerals cooperation deal between the US and Japan, aimed at supporting both nations' security and technology sectors. Trump expressed personal connections, including a shout-out to the ship's commander from Alabama and his affection for the state, and made bold remarks about his desire to have a soldier's job and political critiques. The trip included efforts to bolster regional security in the face of Chinese assertiveness and North Korean weapons testing, as well as diplomatic meetings including a planned summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.