The U.S. Defense Secretary announced Sunday plans to enhance the U.S. military command structure in Japan, emphasizing the country’s vital role in countering China’s assertiveness.

Speaking to Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo, Hegseth lauded the shared “warrior ethos” and described Japan as an “indispensable partner” in “deterring communist Chinese military aggression,” specifically mentioning the Taiwan Strait.

Hegseth affirmed Japan as a “cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific,” pledging continued close collaboration between the Trump administration and the nation.

Last year, the previous Biden administration revealed a significant overhaul of the U.S. military command in Japan to bolster coordination with Japanese forces, as both allies identified China as their primary strategic challenge.

The planned changes will establish a combined operational commander in Japan, mirroring the joint operations command recently established by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.

Hegseth’s strong support for Japan contrasts with his February criticisms of European allies, where he cautioned against taking the U.S. presence in the region for granted.

U.S. President has previously voiced concerns about the one-sided nature of the U.S.-Japan defense treaty, where the U.S. commits to defending Japan. During his initial term, Trump suggested Japan should increase its financial contributions to host U.S. troops.

Japan hosts a significant U.S. military presence, including 50,000 personnel, fighter jet squadrons, and the only forward-deployed U.S. aircraft carrier strike group, strategically positioned along a 1,900-mile archipelago that contains Chinese military capabilities.

This announcement coincides with Japan’s doubling of its military budget, allocating funds for long-range missiles. However, the operational capabilities of its forces are constrained by its U.S.-drafted constitution, adopted post-World War II, which prohibits initiating war.

Hegseth and Nakatani agreed to expedite the joint production of beyond-visual-range air-to-air AMRAAM missiles and explore collaboration on SM-6 surface-to-air defense missile production to address munition shortages, according to Nakatani.

The Pentagon chief stated he requested increased access to from Nakatani, situated along the edge of the contested East China Sea, near Taiwan.

Hegseth’s visit to Japan marks his first official trip to Asia, following a stop in the Philippines.

On Saturday, he participated in a memorial service on Iwo Jima, commemorating the intense battle between U.S. and Japanese forces 80 years prior.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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