The President addresses service members during an Asia tour

President Donald Trump spoke with U.S. military service members aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan, Tuesday morning to promote his military administration’s “peace through strength” message on the world stage.

“A year and a half ago, we had a different country than we have now,” Trump told military members. “Now we are the most respected country in the world, and we are the hottest country anywhere in the world. It didn’t take long. But, I had no doubt. I didn’t know we would do it so quickly. We did it so quickly because of people like you.”

Trump is on a whirlwind tour through Asia, including starting his trip in Malaysia, before heading to Japan and later holding a planned meeting with the Chinese president. Xi Jinping During his last stop in South Korea on Thursday. The President also oversaw the signing of a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand on Sunday.

Trump’s tour this week focuses on trade and regional security, and comes as China asserts greater control over the South China Sea and North Korea increases its weapons testing.

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Trump was joined by newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaishi aboard the US aircraft carrier on Tuesday, as well as US military leaders such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. In his remarks, Trump celebrated that the US military was being respected again after it bucked “political correctness” in an attempt to better defend the United States.

“When it comes to defending the United States, we are no longer politically correct,” Trump said. “We will defend our country any way we need to. And that is usually not the correct political way. From now on, if we are in a war, we will win the war. We will win it like no one has ever done before.”

Service members were heard chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump” as the president took the stage for the first time.

Trump thanked the military for their service and added that he supports increasing wages for every American service member in the armed forces.

Trump’s focus shifts to Japan and South Korea as his Asian trip continues

“I also support a comprehensive pay increase for every sailor and member of the United States Armed Forces,” Trump told the crowd to widespread applause. “Now, if you don’t want it, you want to give back to your country. Just tell us. We won’t give it to you. Is there anyone in that category?” He joked before adding that Democratic lawmakers would approve the plan.

He continued: “But all we have to do now is get the Democrats to approve it. But they will come. They always do. You know, they always do.”

The government is currently in the midst of an ongoing shutdown since Oct. 1, when lawmakers in the Senate failed to reach a funding deal.

Takaishi, Japan’s first female prime minister, also addressed US forces to thank them, as well as the Japanese military, for their dedication to protecting the region.

“I am truly honored to have this opportunity to deliver a speech with President Trump aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, a symbol of protecting freedom and peace in this region,” the Japanese leader said, according to what was reported by one of the translators at the ceremony.

She continued: “First and foremost, I would like to express my deep respect and sincere gratitude to all the men and women in uniform. From the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the US Forces, and Japan, for your dedication and commitment to protecting the peace and security of our nation and the region, day and night.”

Trump praised the Japanese Prime Minister as a “winner” in his remarks, while celebrating the US relationship with Japan after World War II.

“This woman is a winner. So, you know, we’re suddenly best friends because their stock market today and our stock market today is at an all-time high. That means we’re doing something right,” he said.

Trump and Takaishi signed a framework agreement for rare earths on Tuesday, as the United States looks to step back from its reliance on China for minerals critical to items such as cell phones.

Trump continued: “The cherished alliance between the United States and Japan is one of the most prominent relationships in the entire world.” “Indeed, there has never been anything like this before. Born from the ashes of a terrible war, our relationship has grown over eight decades into our beautiful friendship. It is the foundation of peace and security in the Pacific region.”

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Trump also announced that the first batch of missiles for the Japan Self-Defense Forces will be delivered to the country later this week, with Takashi stressing that Japan is “committed to fundamentally strengthening our defense capability” and “is prepared to more proactively contribute to peace and stability in the region.”

“It’s the first batch of missiles that will be delivered to the Japan Self-Defense Forces for Japan’s F-35s. They’re coming this week, so they’re ahead of schedule,” Trump said.

The president concluded his speech by emphasizing that the United States “went through four bad years, but now America will always be at the forefront,” citing the strength of the American military.

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“Every sailor here today inherits a legacy of courage, determination and glory unparalleled in the long history of humankind’s voyages at sea,” he said. “It is a voyage that no one has ever undertaken before, as you have. For two and a half centuries, the United States Navy has maintained the vision of our first Commander-in-Chief who gave this ship its historic name, its righteous spirit and its immortal motto, ‘First in war, first in peace.’ A very famous phrase, George Washington. And 250 years later, that is exactly what our country is today. It is first in war, first in peace, first in wealth, First in strength, first in knowledge, first in spirit, and first in freedom.

Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.