U.S. Space Force in Japan a 'priority' as China threat grows

SYDNEY -- Establishing a component field command in Japan is a "priority" for U.S. space authorities as China invests heavily in capabilities that pose a threat to America's armed forces and those of its allies in the region.

U.S. Space Force Indo-Pacific Commander Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir said Tuesday that his agency is working closely with the Japanese government to set up a component in the country, which he said would be similar to the one established in South Korea in 2022. The South Korean component, based at Osan Air Base south of Seoul, was started with eight members, which Mastalir said was his "baseline" for the envisioned command in Japan.