On Thursday (January 30th), US newly appointed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had his first phone call with Japanese Defense Minister Moto. They reiterated their commitment to strengthen the security alliance between the US and Japan, and expand the joint military presence in Japan’s surrounding areas.
According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, during the call, Hegseth confirmed to Moto that the US-Japan Security Treaty applies to the Diaoyu Islands (known as Senkaku Islands in Japan and Diaoyutai Islands in Taiwan) in the East China Sea. These islands, currently under Japanese jurisdiction, are also claimed by the Chinese government.
Moto told reporters that Hegseth’s remarks demonstrate the “firm commitment of the United States to defend Japan.”
Moto stated, “In the increasingly severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, we agree to further strengthen the alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities.” This is evidently aimed at the escalating military threats posed by China in the region.
During the 40-minute call, the two defense ministers agreed to hold a face-to-face meeting “as soon as possible,” although the specific date has not been confirmed.
Japan has repeatedly protested against Chinese coast guard ships entering waters near the Diaoyu Islands.
The US has not taken a position on the sovereignty of these islands, but successive US administrations have stated that an attack on the Diaoyu Islands would trigger the US-Japan Security Treaty.
During the call, the two defense ministers agreed to continue efforts to enhance the US-Japan alliance, including improving command and control systems. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated that last year, the US announced plans to establish a new joint operational command in Japan, which will operate in coordination with Japan’s new Joint Operations Command of the Self-Defense Forces.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated, “The two defense ministers agree that Japan and the US will work together to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
Hegseth, a former Fox News Channel host and military veteran, was confirmed by the US Senate last week as the Secretary of Defense in the new Trump administration.
Under Trump’s “America First” agenda, the US may urge allies to contribute more to defense spending or assume more expenses for hosting US military forces. Recently, Trump called on NATO member countries to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP.
Moto did not disclose whether Hegseth had made similar requests. Currently, Japan is gradually increasing defense spending with the goal of reaching 2% of GDP by fiscal year 2027.
On Wednesday, a collision incident occurred near Washington D.C. involving a American Airlines plane carrying 64 passengers and a US military helicopter carrying 3 personnel. Moto also expressed condolences to the victims and their families during Thursday’s phone call.