U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Japan’s critical role in deterring Chinese aggression during a meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo on Sunday
Describing Japan as a “cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific,” Hegseth underscored the importance of a strong partnership to establish credible deterrence, particularly across the Taiwan Strait.
Hegseth noted that Japan’s cooperation was essential in countering China's growing military presence. Hosting around 50,000 U.S. military personnel, Japan provides strategic positioning for fighter squadrons and Washington’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier strike group along a 3,000-km (1,900-mile) archipelago. This presence helps contain Chinese military power in the region.
The Pentagon signaled that President Donald Trump’s administration intends to maintain a close alliance with Japan, similar to previous U.S. governments. Hegseth’s remarks contrast with his earlier criticisms of European allies, whom he warned not to take the U.S. presence for granted.
Hegseth’s visit to Japan is part of a broader tour of Asia, following a stop in the Philippines. On Saturday, he attended a memorial service on Iwo Jima, marking 80 years since the fierce World War II battle between U.S. and Japanese forces.
Analysts view Hegseth’s statements as reaffirming U.S. commitment to security cooperation with Japan amid escalating tensions with China, particularly regarding Taiwan and territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas.
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Argentina has reiterated its interest in resuming talks with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South Atlantic, after reports that an internal Pentagon email suggested reviewing Washington’s support for the UK’s claim amid tensions over the Iran war.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iran under Pakistani mediation.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
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Militants have staged coordinated attacks in Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several locations across the country, the army said on Saturday (25 April), in an assault apparently involving jihadist and Tuareg-led groups.
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Argentina has reiterated its interest in resuming talks with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South Atlantic, after reports that an internal Pentagon email suggested reviewing Washington’s support for the UK’s claim amid tensions over the Iran war.
China has urged the European Union to take its concerns seriously over new cybersecurity and digital regulations, warning they could create difficulties for Chinese companies operating in Europe.
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