US Defense Secretary Praises Japan's Role in Deterrence Strategy, 'Out of Tune' with European Allies

The US Defense Secretary said Japan is an "indispensable" ally, helping Washington establish a credible deterrent in the Indo- Pacific .

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani at a meeting in Tokyo on March 30. (Source: Reuters)

On March 30, during a visit to Tokyo, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized to his counterpart Gen Nakatani that Japan is an "indispensable" ally in Washington's Indo- Pacific focus strategy.

In particular, Japan plays an indispensable role in helping Washington establish a “credible” deterrent in the Indo-Pacific region.

Calling Japan a “cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific,” the Pentagon chief implied that President Donald Trump’s administration, like previous administrations, would continue to work closely with its key Asian ally.

Japan is home to about 50,000 US troops, fighter squadrons and aircraft carrier strike groups.

Hegseth's praise for Japan contrasts with his criticism of European allies in February, in which the US defense chief stressed that "you shouldn't assume that the US presence there is going to last forever."

Minister Hegseth is currently in Asia on his first official visit. He arrived in Japan after a trip to the Philippines.

On March 29, the Pentagon chief attended a memorial service at Iwo Jima, the site of fierce fighting between US and Japanese forces 80 years ago during World War II.

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