The defense leaders of the United States and Japan met in Tokyo on June 1, 2023, to deepen bilateral defense cooperation and work collectively to counter joint threats.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada held a meeting in Tokyo as both leaders agreed to operationalize bilateral agreements that are deepening the treaty alliance.
Secretary Austin highlighted that both the U.S. and Japan 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. secretary of defense and the Japanese minister of defense also discussed emerging threats from North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. Austin said that the DPRK is continuing dangerous and destabilizing activities that are threatening peace and stability in the region and violating 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.
During his visit to Japan, Austin also met with U.S. and Japanese service members during his visit. He said, “I’m especially grateful to have the opportunity to visit with service members from both of our countries who stand shoulder-to-shoulder to uphold our alliances and to strengthen regional peace and stability. Our militaries are operating and training together like never before to maintain peace, deter aggression and respond to crises.”
U.S. Secretary Austin and Japanese Minister Hamada also discussed moves to strengthen cooperation between the two nations. According to the Department of Defense release, 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 Japanese defense minister said the meeting with Austin confirms the importance of defense cooperation. Hamada highlighted that Japan is not only becoming closer to the U.S. military but also developing close defense ties with South Korea, Australia, India, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
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. He said “the United States and Japan have made impressive progress together. And I am confident that our alliances will grow even stronger as we keep building on this momentum.”
