This weekend, when Pete Hegseth visits Iwo Jima

This weekend, when Pete Hegseth visits Iwo Jima, it will underscore the significant progress made in US-Japan relations since the two nations were adversaries in the battle for the Pacific island 80 years ago. The trip by the US defense secretary will also reveal that the partnership is not without its challenges.

Before Hegseth even departs, Japan is grappling with President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on all auto imports, with additional trade tariffs expected to take effect on April 2, further straining Tokyo's economy. Japan is also preparing for possible US demands to increase its defense spending, which may arise during Hegseth's discussions with his Japanese counterpart, Gen Nakatani. While Hegseth faces his own issues, including an ongoing controversy surrounding a private Signal chat, Japan's concerns run deeper. Trump has cast doubt on the US's long-standing security commitments to Japan, and reports suggest that Washington may reconsider plans for a new military headquarters in the country. Nonetheless, Japan does not engage in the same level of soul-searching over potential US abandonment as European nations do. Tokyo believes there is no viable alternative to aligning with the US, regardless of the turbulence that may arise. While European countries may unite to deter threats from Russia, Japan faces a military challenge from China that is far too substantial to address alone. The intricate relationships among Asian nations and China's economic influence make the formation of a broad coalition against China unlikely.

Even attempts at diplomacy between Japan and China are often clouded by mistrust. Recently, Tokyo has expressed concern over Chinese patrols near a group of islands it controls but that Beijing also claims. In an initial conversation with Nakatani, Hegseth reaffirmed the US commitment to assist Japan in defending those islands. In a summit last month, Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba established a good rapport. Japan's current objective is to navigate the unavoidable challenges in its relationship with the US, despite the tough talk from Hegseth. — Alastair Gale

Bloomberg