U.S. Defense Secretary Highlights Japan’s Role in Countering China

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized Japan’s crucial role in addressing Chinese aggression, stating on Sunday that Tokyo is indispensable in helping Washington establish a “credible” deterrence in the region. Speaking about security challenges, Hegseth pointed to Japan’s support in maintaining stability, particularly across the Taiwan Strait, as tensions continue to rise. The remarks underscore growing U.S.-Japan cooperation in countering Beijing’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.