Official announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense, Japanese Ministry of Defense, and South Korean Ministry of National Defense

U.S., Japan, and South Korea to Enhance Military Alliance with Command Restructuring Led by Three-Star Commander

Jul 28, 2024, 12:30 AM

The United States and Japan are set to announce the first steps towards enhancing their military alliance, including modernizing the command of their respective armed forces in Japan. This initiative will see the restructuring of U.S. Forces Japan, placing a three-star flag officer in charge and upgrading it to a Joint Force Headquarters. The shift will move operational control of Japan-based forces east from Hawaii, deepening cooperation with the Japanese military. Additionally, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea plan to sign a deal on joint military training and information sharing at a rare meeting in Tokyo, aiming to bolster security cooperation ahead of the upcoming American presidential elections in November. The discussions are seen as a response to rising security concerns, particularly regarding China's strengthening military capabilities. The Pentagon described the move as a milestone in U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, with the Secretary of Defense highlighting its significance.