US and Japan defense leaders meet to strengthen ties, operationalize agreements

Asia-Pacific, News June 3, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met with Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamad in Tokyo to “operationalize” bilateral agreements and deepen the treaty alliance.

Following the meeting, U.S. Secretary Austin said during a news conference that “This is a consequential time for our alliances”. He said that “We are deeply concerned by [China’s] coercive behavior and its attempts to undermine the rules-based, international order. And, meanwhile, Russia continues to wage its cruel and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine. We appreciate Japan’s assistance to Ukraine and your leadership in opposing any attempts to change the status quo by force.”

The U.S. and Japanese defense leaders also discussed North Korea’s continuing dangerous and destabilizing nuclear and missile programs. The U.S. secretary said the North Korean activities threaten peace and stability in the region and violate international law.

“We stand with our Japanese and ROK [South Korean] allies in the face of North Korea’s continued provocations, including yesterday’s claimed space launch. The United States will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of our homeland and the defense of our allies,” Austin said.

*^{U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada answer questions during a news conference in Tokyo, on June 1, 2023. (Image Credit: Chad J. McNeeley/DOD)}*

According to the U.S. Department of Defense statement, Austin highlighted the United States’ unwavering commitment to Japan, including “extended deterrence provided by the full range of U.S. conventional and nuclear capabilities.”

The Japanese Minister Hamada and the U.S. Secretary Austin also discussed moves to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. “Hamada specifically highlighted the deployment of MQ-9 Reapers to Japan, the establishment of the Marine Littoral Regiment in the country, and increased exercises between the two nations’ militaries,” the DoD statement read.

The U.S. Secretary Austin also held a separate meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo. U.S. Defense Secretary Austin strongly supported Japan’s decision to update its national security policies, including the decision to increase defense spending and acquire counter-strike capabilities.

*^{U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, on June 1, 2023. (Image Credit: Chad J. McNeeley/DOD)}*

Separately on June 3, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin held a trilateral meeting with Japanese Minister of Defense Hamada Yasukazu and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-Sup in Singapore.

During the meeting the defense leaders of the three countries discussed the growing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea and agreed to enhance “trilateral security exercises and address common security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region,” the DoD statement read.

The statement further added that the three leaders “renewed their determination to respond firmly to the DPRK [North Korea] threat through increased trilateral cooperation as well as cooperation with the international community”.

The United States also reaffirmed its commitments to Japan and the ROK backed by the full range of defense capabilities, including nuclear options. The joint press statement added that Japan and the ROK highlighted the importance of their bilateral ties and trilateral cooperation to protect and advance their shared security goals.