Pete HegeSeth in Japan: we are connected by a warrior ethos, yesterday's enemy has become today's friend

The United States Alliance with Japan remains a “cornerstone” of security in the region. We are connected by the ethos of a warrior – said US Secretary of Defense Pete HegeSeth, who is visiting Japan. He also added that this country is irreplaceable in counteracting Chinese aggression. Familitating HegeSetha comments at Japan contrast with his February criticism of European allies.

Japan is the second – after Philippines – HegeSetha stop in his first official trip to Asia.

The head of the Pentagon took part on Saturday in a funeral service on the island of Iwo Jima (currently known as Iwoto) in the Pacific. The 80th anniversary of fierce battles between forces was commemorated there USA and Japan during World War II. Several American veterans also participated in the ceremony, who survived the battle and members of the Japanese government, including Prime Minister Shiger IShiba and Ministerobrony Gen Nakrekani.

“We are connected by the ethos of a warrior who defines our armed forces,” said HegeSeth. “The US-Japonia alliance shows how yesterday's enemy has become today's friend,” said the head of the Pentagon, adding the alliance of Washington and Tokyo remains “the foundation stone of freedom, prosperity, safety and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.”

The US Secretary of Defense emphasized that Tokyo is currently supporting Washington in building “reliable” deterrent measures in the region, including in the Taiwanese Strait region.

On Sunday, HegSeth will take talks in Tokyo with Nakratani to discuss further strengthening of the alliance.

American-Japanese alliance

According to the Pentagon, the president's administration Donald Trumplike the previous governments, he intends to continue close cooperation with his key Asian ally.

Japan guests about 50,000 American soldiers, fighter squadron and the only output of the US aircraft carriers along the 3,000 kilometers of the archipelago, which helps in limiting Chinese military power.

The Reuters agency has noticed that the flattering comments of HegeSetha at Japan contrast with his February criticism of European allies. He warned then that they should not assume that the US military presence on the Old Continent would last forever.