U.S. Presidential Advisor “Shows policy on strengthening operational command of U.S. forces in Japan”

Coinciding with Prime Minister Kishida's visit to the United States, President Sullivan, who is in charge of security policy in the Biden administration, gave an interview to NHK.At the summit meeting, President Biden announced that he would In line with the establishment of a ``Joint Command'' to centrally manage the Self-Defense Forces, he announced a policy to strengthen the operational command functions of U.S. forces in Japan.

Ahead of the Japan-U.S. summit meeting on the 10th, Jake Sullivan, the presidential adviser in charge of national security policy in the Biden administration, gave an exclusive interview to NHK in Washington on the 8th.

In the meeting, Advisor Sullivan stated that Prime Minister Kishida's visit to the United States "is an opportunity to demonstrate that the Japan-U.S. alliance has reached heights never before achieved," adding, "We will strengthen our global cooperative relationship in every way possible." "This will be an opportunity to demonstrate our work across a wide range of fields."

In addition, regarding cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the United States Forces in Japan, which is an issue in strengthening deterrence with China and other countries in mind, the following statement was released in the joint statement to be announced in conjunction with Prime Minister Kishida's visit. President Biden will demonstrate his full commitment to strengthening America's operational command capabilities as Japan's operational command capabilities are strengthened."

Specifically, he stated, ``We are prepared to enhance the U.S. operational command function in Japan and steadily advance the integration of operational command functions with Japan.'' In line with the establishment of a ``Joint Command'' by March next year to centrally command the Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces, we have announced a policy to strengthen the functions of the U.S. Forces Japan Command.

Sullivan added, ``We are now at a critical point in world history. Can democracy bring progress to its own people and bring development, peace, and prosperity to people around the world? We answer ``yes'' with confidence. The United States and Japan are the two leading democracies in the world, and the two countries with the most powerful technological capabilities. We must work hand in hand to show that democracy can bring about these things," he said, indicating that the United States wants to work with Japan to lead the international community as China's influence increases. Ta.