US defence chief Lloyd Austin reassures Japan amid China tensions, Trump policies
Austin’s visit, likely his last, aimed to solidify ties and ensure stability in the region, despite potential changes in US military presence and funding
Outgoing US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday, having a day earlier warned American troops near Tokyo of the threat represented by China.
Austin’s visit is likely to be his last official trip to the region, as the United States and Japan prepare for a new era shaped by US president-elect Donald Trump’s protectionist “America First” policies.
“These are very dynamic times,” Austin told Ishiba on Tuesday. “May our alliance remain the cornerstone of peace and stability in this region for the foreseeable future.”
Ishiba thanked Austin for his “dedicated efforts … [in] strengthening our bilateral alliance over the years”.
The Pentagon chief had on Monday described the threat posed by China in a speech aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which is stationed off Yokosuka south of Tokyo.
“The PRC is the only country in the world that has the intent and, increasingly, the capability to change the rules-based international order,” he said, using the initials of its official name, the People’s Republic of China.
