Trump quickly remakes Pentagon leadership as critics see crisis
A flurry of changes in the Pentagon’s top ranks is underway as President Donald Trump elevates longtime allies in moves that critics say sends a signal of turmoil in the leadership of the U.S. military just after a contentious election. A day after Trump fired ...
Trump ousts defense chief Mark Esper, who balked at loyalty demand
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper was fired in a tweet on Monday, as President Donald Trump went after a top aide he blamed for not supporting him sufficiently. Trump said he’s naming Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, as acting Pentagon chief. Esper’s ...
Japan says it will decide on Aegis Ashore alternative by year's end
In a call with his U.S. counterpart, Japan's defense minister also indicated a willingness to hold a meeting involving defense chiefs from the four "Quad" countries.
Japanese security adviser affirms close ties with top U.S. officials
In a meeting with Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, Kitamura said the Japan-U.S. alliance will remain the cornerstone of Japan's foreign and security policy.
Kono and Esper look to keep China in check, but challenges abound
Tokyo is facing a double-barreled challenge with a leadership transition amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Beijing's growing maritime assertiveness.
Japan and U.S. defense chiefs hold talks in Guam as China tensions build
Defense Minister Taro Kono and U.S. counterpart Mark Esper agreed in Guam to keep China's maritime assertiveness in the South and East China seas in check.
Japan and U.S. defense chiefs to meet in Guam about China and missiles
The two are also expected to discuss Japanese deterrence against North Korea following Tokyo's decision to scrap the deployment of Aegis Ashore.
Defense Minister Taro Kono is arranging talks with his U.S. counterpart Mark Esper for Aug. 29 when he visits Guam, Defense Ministry sources said Wednesday, with China and North Korea expected to be high on their agenda. It would be the Japanese minister's first overseas ...
Perils for the Pentagon as Trump threatens to militarize response to civil unrest
As Trump increasingly turns to militaristic rhetoric at a time of national upheaval, the U.S. military appears to be playing a supporting role.
China a '21st century surveillance state,' U.S. defense chief says
U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said on Friday that China's Communist Party had created a surveillance state that uses artificial intelligence to repress Muslim minorities and pro-democracy demonstrators. China has faced an outcry from activists, scholars, foreign governments and U.N. rights experts over what they ...
'Doesn't really matter' if there was an imminent threat from Qassem Soleimani, Trump says
President Donald Trump on Monday morning defended his decision to kill Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, contending Soleimani posed an impending threat to the United States but also saying that was not important, given the military leader's history. "The Fake News Media and their Democrat Partners ...
Japan Defense Minister Kono to meet Esper and inspect Hawaii missile-defense system
Defense Minister Taro Kono said Friday he will visit Washington this coming week for a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, Mark Esper, to discuss the situation in the Middle East and other regional affairs. During the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Kono is also expected to ...
