The U.S. will establish a new military command in Japan to enhance security ties as part of efforts to strengthen alliances in Asia amid China’s military buildup, top American and Japanese officials announced Sunday.

This command, initially led by a three-star general, will coordinate operations with Japan, plan joint exercises, and participate in defense if needed, placing U.S. warfighting capabilities under a headquarters in Japan for the first time.

This eliminates the need for instructions from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, 3,500 miles away, the Wall Street Journal has reported.

The initiative aligns with Japan’s plans to enhance its military, including a new joint military command set for next year, and involves expanding production of Patriot antimissile systems in Japan for both Japanese and U.S. use.

Written by B.C. Begley