Highlighting the growing concerns over China's advancements in the space domain, the U.S. Space Force is actively exploring the establishment of a unit in Japan. The top uniformed officer of the U.S. Space Force made this announcement during a visit to Tokyo, emphasizing the critical role of bilateral cooperation in addressing the evolving challenges in space.

"We're just in the planning phases to figure out exactly what that headquarters would do," Gen. Chance Saltzman, who is leading the newest branch of the U.S. military, told reporters in Tokyo.

As part of the U.S. Space Force's broader regional expansion efforts in Asia, the decision to potentially establish a unit in Japan underscores its growing footprint. Since its inception in December 2019, the U.S. Space Force has been steadily bolstering its presence in the region. Notably in November, it established a dedicated unit under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii, followed by the creation of a subordinate unit in South Korea the following month.

While detailing these developments, General John W. "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, did not specify the precise location of the potential unit in Japan. However, he did mention potential candidates, with the Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo being one of the possibilities under consideration.

General John W. "Jay" Raymond emphasized the importance of initiating a "mission planning process" to meticulously assess the specific mission requirements. This comprehensive approach aims to address critical factors such as determining the optimal unit size and addressing associated logistical considerations.

"We don't have a timeline yet for establishment. But once we get the planning in place, we'll be able to have a better sense of when that's going," he added.

The U.S. government is significantly enhancing its collaborative efforts with Japan and other key allies in the realm of space, as global competition with nations like China and Russia escalates in this domain.

General John W. "Jay" Raymond emphasized the burgeoning nature of the partnerships between the U.S. Space Force and Japan. He underscored the pivotal role that the combined "collaborative capabilities" of these two nations can assume within the dynamic and increasingly perilous security landscape of the space domain.

"We will work together with Japan and other like-minded nations committed to establishing norms of responsible behaviour and deterring conflict for the safety, security, stability and sustainability of the space domain," he said.

Regarding the situation concerning Taiwan, General John W. "Jay" Raymond expressed concern over China's assertive actions toward the self-governed island, which Beijing claims as part of its territory. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the U.S.-China relationship as one of "competition" rather than escalating it into one of "crisis or conflict."

General John W. "Jay" Raymond stressed the importance of a "sensor network" established through international partnerships. This network empowers the U.S. and its allies to respond swiftly to provocative actions and de-escalate potential conflicts. China has been intensifying its military pressure on Taiwan, vowing reunification even by force if necessary.

During his visit to Tokyo, General Raymond and Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara committed to enhancing bilateral cooperation in space affairs. In July, the first Space Engagement Talks occurred at Yokota Air Base, uniting representatives from the U.S. Space Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Image source: Reuters