In a move aimed at addressing increasing security threats in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States and Japan have announced plans to revamp the US command in Japan, eliciting strong criticism from China. The decision comes as both nations view China's assertiveness as the "greatest strategic challenge."

During the "two-plus-two" talks between top diplomats and defense chiefs of the US and Japan, it was revealed that the United States would transform U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) into a joint force headquarters. This restructuring will grant the US a direct leadership role over American forces in operational planning during peacetime and potential crises.

The US State Department stated that the goal of this command reorganization is to enhance interoperability and cooperation in joint bilateral operations, as well as improve cybersecurity, intelligence coordination, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The restructuring will align with Japan's own command makeover and is expected to be completed by March.

Currently, the USFJ commander based in Yokota does not have commanding authority, as ultimate directives rest with the US Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. However, the revamped command in Japan aims to strengthen the US presence and capabilities in the region.

The announcement comes as tension rises in the area, with Japan expressing concerns about China's belligerence in the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Japan has been enhancing its combat readiness and firepower by acquiring long-range missiles and developing counter-strike capabilities. The US has also been fortifying its presence in the Indo-Pacific, with Japan playing a central role in these efforts.

China has strongly criticized the US and Japan's decision to revamp the command in Japan. Chinese military analysts argue that this move is an attempt by the US to use Japan as a base to strengthen its nuclear deterrence against China and to bolster the Japan Self-Defense Forces within the US-Japan military alliance. Chinese experts also warned of a potential arms race in the region for tactical nuclear weapons.

Beijing has consistently expressed disdain over the US-Japan alliance, accusing the US of using Japan as a pawn in its containment strategy against China. Chinese state-owned media warned that Japan's involvement in a strengthened alliance could lead to increased regional tensions, including the risk of a nuclear conflict involving Japan.

As the US and Japan move forward with their plans to revamp the command in Japan, further negotiations will occur regarding the leadership structure and potential involvement of atomic weapons. The US has reassured Japan of its commitment to "extended deterrence," including the use of atomic weapons.

The modernization of the US command in Japan signifies a significant step in strengthening the alliance between the two nations. As security threats in the Asia-Pacific region grow, the US and Japan are working together to counter these challenges and ensure stability in the region.