U.S. and Japan hold joint memorial on Iwo Jima

On March 29, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Japanese Prime Minister Shunichi Suzuki, and Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada attended a memorial on Iwo Jima to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Both leaders emphasized the importance of their alliance. During the memorial, Austin stated that the U.S.-Japan alliance transforms past adversaries into current allies. He described the partnership as a cornerstone for freedom and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Suzuki also honored fallen soldiers and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to promoting peace. The Battle of Iwo Jima, which occurred in February 1945, resulted in significant casualties, with over 21,000 Japanese soldiers and 7,000 U.S. troops losing their lives. The iconic image of U.S. Marines raising the flag on the island became a symbol of American resilience during the war. Earlier, Austin visited the Philippines, emphasizing the need for deterrence against China's threats. Meanwhile, China's Southern Theater Command announced routine patrols in the South China Sea, warning the Philippines to avoid escalating tensions. Joint military exercises involving the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines are ongoing in the region.