The United States has reaffirmed its ‘iron-clad commitment’ to Japan, amid shared concerns over China’s actions in the region, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and Russia’s involvement in Ukraine. Following defense talks in Tokyo, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of strengthening mutual capacity through collaboration.

Key takeaways from the talks include:

– Upgrading command and control structures, including a new joint forces headquarters
– Demonstrating commitment to defend allies with conventional and nuclear deterrence capabilities
– Opposing China’s efforts to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East and South China Sea
– Upholding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait
– Concern over Russia-DPRK relations, including allegations of weaponry provision for use in Ukraine
– Reaffirming commitment to defend Japan with full capabilities, including nuclear

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin highlighted the significance of Japan’s new joint operations command, allowing for closer force collaboration. Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kamikawa Yoko acknowledged aligned perceptions on regional security concerns.

Additionally, Blinken addressed the Venezuela presidential elections, expressing support for Venezuelans’ right to vote despite ‘severe repression’. He also condemned the recent rocket attack in the Golan Heights, attributing it to Hezbollah and emphasizing the need to defuse conflict in the region.