Korean Media: Can It Give Confidence in Upholding the Alliance? Japan's Defense Minister Publicly Questions U.S. Defense Secretary

¬ The Largest Russian Navy Vessel Has Entered Final Testing Phase

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¬ "Can the United States Provide Clear Assurance That Its Commitment to Asia Remains Unshaken?"

On May 30, after delivering a speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a major Asian security summit held in Singapore, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba publicly raised the above question regarding U.S. commitment. Concerns are growing over an expanding security vacuum in Asia due to America’s shift toward a defense strategy centered on homeland protection and the prolonged war with Iran. Ishiba urged the United States to clearly voice its support for Asian security. Typically, during Q&A sessions, questions come from academics or think tank experts—making it rare for a defense minister to ask one.

Following a 20-minute speech by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Ishiba became the first to pose a question. He stated: "I trust America’s unwavering dedication, but some countries underestimate U.S. resolve. Can you provide clear information to this region?" He further warned: "When minor tensions arise between allies and partners, certain actors will try to drive wedges into these relationships." Analysts believe this remark targets foreign policy strategies by some nations aimed at undermining ties between major powers and the United States—commonly known as "wedge strategies."

In response, Hegseth replied: "Thank you for Japan’s proactive efforts." He explained that the U.S. defense strategy rests on four pillars: defending the American homeland and Western Hemisphere, deterring China, sharing burden with allies, and strengthening military-industrial capacity—but many focus only on the first pillar. "America bears numerous global responsibilities," he said. "Some mistakenly believe we’ve abandoned this region, but our strategy is not such. We are quietly yet powerfully cooperating with our allies right here." He emphasized: "The United States can do two things simultaneously. We have a duty to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also dramatically boosting military production—recently increasing ammunition output by three to four times—to ensure full support for all global operations."

Source: Chosun Ilbo

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The Northern Fleet’s press office announced that the cruiser Admiral Nakhimov, following repairs and upgrades, has now entered its final testing phase.

The statement noted: "The heavy nuclear-powered missile cruiser Admiral Nakhimov has entered its final testing phase after repair and modernization."

Additionally, the press office mentioned that the minesweeper Arktika officially joined the fleet’s formation during winter training exercises.

The 1144.2M-class Admiral Nakhimov (NATO designation: Kirov-class, project name “Orlan” — meaning “Sea Eagle”) is the largest surface warship in the Russian Navy, with a displacement exceeding 25,000 tons and powered by nuclear reactors. Designed to engage large surface targets, it provides comprehensive air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Constructed in the late 1980s, the Admiral Nakhimov was sent for maintenance in the late 1990s. Its reintegration into the Russian Navy began in 2013, and the overhaul is currently being carried out at the Northern Machine Building Enterprise in Severodvinsk.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866765152876556/

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