U.S. starts first military command in Tokyo to oppose China

The United States will set up a new military command in Japan to strengthen security ties as the allied countries confront China’s military buildup. A three-star general initially will lead the command, which will coordinate military operations with Japan, arrange for joint exercises and prepare to defend the country.

The effort for the first time puts America’s defense powers under the command of a headquarters on Japanese soil. It also means that U.S. forces stationed in the country won’t need to await orders from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which is in Hawaii.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and their Japanese counterparts, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Minister Minoru Kihara, announced the plan in Tokyo on Sunday.

Japan also plans to set up a new joint military command early next year.

The initiatives are part of a broader effort by the United States to strengthen its Asia allies.

Blinken and Austin on Tuesday plan to announce $500 million in U.S. financing during a meeting with counterparts in the Philippines, among other steps, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The United States also is helping Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, and removed restrictions on the range of ballistic missiles South Korea can develop with American technology.

Japan also agreed buy hundreds of Tomahawk cruise missiles, which are made by RTX’s (NYSE:RTX) Raytheon unit, to hit land-based targets.