General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has voiced strong support for Japan's plan to double its defense spending within the next five years. During a visit to Tokyo, Milley emphasized the importance of this move in countering escalating threats posed by China and North Korea. He specifically highlighted the need for Japan to enhance its cruise missile defense, early warning systems, and air capabilities, all of which would bolster U.S. efforts to address North Korea's nuclear ambitions and China's assertive stance towards Taiwan.

Milley underscored China's significant military investments and its ambition for regional dominance in Asia within the next decade or two. He warned of the potential instability and danger this presents, emphasizing the crucial role of a strong and capable Japanese military, allied with the U.S. and other nations, in deterring conflict.

Milley also addressed North Korea's recent ICBM test, interpreting it as a clear indication of their intent to develop the capacity to strike the continental United States. He acknowledged the seriousness of this development, stating that it has the full attention of the U.S. military.

Japan's upcoming fiscal year budget allocates a record $50 billion to defense, a 20% increase from the previous year. This includes funds for deploying U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 1,000 miles away. This budget is the first step in a five-year, $315 billion military spending plan under Japan's new National Security Strategy, aiming to align with NATO standards and ultimately position Japan as the world's third-largest military spender, behind the U.S. and China.

Milley expressed confidence in Japan's capacity for rapid military expansion in scale, size, scope, and skill. He also advocated for accelerating military aid to Taiwan, emphasizing the island's need for enhanced air defense, mines, and air-to-air and shore-to-ship capabilities. Milley reiterated the U.S. opposition to the use of force to achieve unification and stressed the importance of Taiwan's ability to defend itself as a deterrent against Chinese aggression.