By Laura Sanicola
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will unveil a plan next month to restructure the U.S. military command in Japan in light of shared concerns about China, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
The plan would strengthen operational planning and military exercises between the two countries, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the situation.
The announcement is expected to be made at the White House on April 10, when Biden hosts Kishida at a formal event that will include a lavish state dinner and policy meeting, the newspaper said.
Japan is a close ally and a key component of U.S. strategy toward China, North Korea, and other Asian security issues.
The White House, the US National Security Council and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The Japanese government could not immediately be reached for comment.
Washington has strongly supported a major military buildup by Japan as military and security activity between the United States and its key Asian allies has strengthened.
More than a year ago, Japan pledged to double defense spending to 2% of its gross domestic product and to procure missiles capable of hitting ships or land targets 1,000 km away.
Japan recently called China’s rapid expansion of military power a “serious concern” for Japan and the international community.
Late last year Japan appointed a serving government official to serve as Taiwan’s de facto defense attaché, strengthening security ties in a move that could anger China, which claims the strategic island as its own.
Japan also angered China earlier this year by congratulating Taiwan’s new president-elect, Lai Ching-te.
Japan, like most countries, does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a precondition for establishing diplomatic relations with China.
Nonetheless, Tokyo has pursued closer ties with Taipei due to Japan’s proximity and historical ties to the island, its alliance with the United States – Taiwan’s most important supporter – as well as recent tensions with China.