Tokyo: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Japan’s new Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi underscored their unified stance against “severe” security threats posed by China during their first in-person meeting in Tokyo. The discussion centered on reinforcing the bilateral alliance and addressing various regional security challenges, with a focus on enhancing command and control frameworks and bilateral training exercises.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the defense chiefs acknowledged the “severe” nature of the current regional threat environment, citing China’s continuous military buildup. ‘The threats we face are real, and they are urgent. China’s unprecedented military buildup and its aggressive military actions speak for themselves,’ Hegseth stated, emphasizing the importance of President Trump’s peace through strength agenda.
Hegseth stressed the critical role of the U.S.-Japan alliance in deterring Chinese military aggression and responding to regional contingencies. Meanwhile, Koizumi expressed concerns regarding China’s increasing defense budget and rapid military expansion, highlighting the lack of transparency in China’s defense strategy.
The meeting highlighted the broader context of Washington’s efforts to strengthen regional alliances amid an escalating Sino-U.S. rivalry over maritime security, trade, and technological leadership. Notably, the defense chiefs did not address the recent North Korean missile tests during their press conference.
Their talks occurred shortly after Pyongyang’s latest missile launch, which coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Following the meeting, Hegseth visited Yokota Air Base to meet with U.S. service members.
Hegseth’s Asia trip includes visits to Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea. During his two-day visit to South Korea, starting Monday, he plans to visit the Demilitarized Zone, attend the Security Consultative Meeting, and meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.