‘It sends a strong strategic signal to China and North Korea’
By 
Navy Seaman Apprentice Tara Reed directs an aircraft during flight quarters aboard the USS Paul Ignatius in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, Monday, March 4, 2024. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jahlena Riveraroyer)
By Micaela Burrow
Daily Caller News Foundation
The U.S. and Japan will announce a historic upgrade to security ties, including a collaborative military command, next month as the two former adversaries move closer together in determination to counter China, according to media reports published Monday.
Chief among the changes under consideration involves sending a four-star general, the highest peacetime rank, to head U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) and jointly oversee a military command with Japan for planning and exercises, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the discussions. Tokyo also hopes to establish a new Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF) headquarters, whose head will serve as the Japanese counterpart to the American four-star, by March of 2025, the sources said.
President Joe Biden will announce the move when he hosts Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on April 10, according to the Financial Times, citing five sources familiar with the planning.
“We are in discussion about how our planned joint command can strengthen cooperation with the U.S. and South Korea,” Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said at a media briefing Monday, Reuters reported. But, the agenda for the upcoming summit has not been confirmed, he added.