U.S. weighs new military element in Japan for closer coordination

Japan's bold defense reform, Taiwan crisis require enhanced operational arrangement

U.S. Marines during their joint exercise with Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Eniwa, Japan, in August 2017. © Reuters

RYO NAKAMURA, Nikkei staff writer

August 5, 2023 18:00 JST

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. is weighing deploying new military elements in Japan to better coordinate operations with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, as a Taiwan contingency would necessitate a swift collective response.

The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) -- the country's military budget -- approved by the Senate in late July includes language requiring the Department of Defense to look into modifying the U.S. command structure in Japan.