US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is set to convene a trilateral meeting with his Japanese and South Korean counterparts in Tokyo on Sunday, marking the first such gathering in 15 years. This significant diplomatic engagement underscores the commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation among the three nations.
The upcoming trilateral meeting follows a landmark summit held by President Joe Biden last year with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David in August 2023. In the aftermath of the summit, it was announced that annual recurring summits would be conducted involving top officials from various sectors, including foreign affairs, defense, national security, finance, industry, and commerce.
A senior US defense official highlighted the substantial progress made since the Camp David summit, emphasizing advancements such as real-time sharing of early warning missile data and the development of a trilateral exercise plan. These collaborative efforts aim to enhance regional security preparedness and coordination.
During the upcoming meeting, Secretary Austin is expected to unveil plans to reconstitute US Forces Japan (USF-J) as a joint force headquarters, mirroring Japan's Joint Operations Command (J-JOC). This strategic move signifies a significant milestone in the military relationship between the US and Japan, with the establishment of a dedicated joint force headquarters to lead US forces in the region.
The reconstituted USF-J will operate as a standalone three-star joint force headquarters, distinct from the existing 5th Air Force structure. This transformation is viewed as a historic development that will empower USF-J to play a direct leadership role in planning and commanding US forces during both peacetime operations and potential crises, fostering closer collaboration with Japanese forces.
The official emphasized that the integration of Japanese forces into US commands is not part of the plan, underscoring the mutual respect for each nation's military sovereignty. The anticipated changes are expected to usher in a new era of enhanced military cooperation and interoperability between the US, Japan, and South Korea, bolstering regional security and stability.
