U.S., Japan to unveil first steps towards enhanced military alliance [Video]

Washington and Tokyo are set to announce Sunday the first concrete steps to modernize the command of their respective armed forces in Japan, a milestone toward a more robust military partnership.

The deepening strategic alliance comes as the two allies are increasingly concerned by the linked threats facing Europe and Asia, with China and North Korea fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine – and the fear that Moscow’s defiance of the west could embolden Beijing to invade Taiwan.

Japan has recently embraced a leadership role in the region, loosening traditional military constraints and beefing up its defense capabilities, both to shield itself and help the United States maintain stability in the western Pacific. It has announced a plan to set up a joint operational command by next March to better coordinate its sailors, airmen, soldiers and marines.

To align with Japan’s new command, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday is expected to announce an upgrade of the current U.S. Forces Japan headquarters, which is largely an administrative …