US military to strengthen partnership with Japan, others

The United States will strengthen its global network of allies, including Japan, as key to its military strategy as its advantages as the strongest nation are being challenged, Kyodo quoted the military as saying in a report Wednesday.

Calling Japan one of the country's "advanced partners," along with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Australia and South Korea, the National Military Strategy of the United States of America 2015 said strengthening the network of allies and partners is "central" to efforts in keeping peace and security.

The first military strategy report released since 2011 by the Joint Chiefs of Staff apparently reflects the United States' intent to increase dependence on allies amid tight state finances.