Japanese and US Defense Ministers Agree to Strengthen Alliance in Phone Call

In a telephone conversation, the Japanese Defense Minister and the US Defense Minister agreed to further strengthen the defense alliance between the two countries. They discussed the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and joint defense strategies. The Japanese Defense Minister stressed the importance of the two countries’ cooperation against the growing security threats in the region. In particular, North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and China’s increasing military activities in the region were among the main agenda items of the meeting. The US Secretary of Defense, on the other hand, appreciated Japan’s contributions to regional stability and stated that defense cooperation between the two countries should be further deepened. The two sides agreed to increase joint military exercises and cooperation in the field of defense technologies. Japan’s determination to increase defense spending was also discussed during the meeting. Japan continues to strengthen its defense capabilities to ensure regional security. The defense alliance between the two countries plays a critical role in the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/01/d0cb58c7cd66-update1-japan-us-defense-chiefs-agree-to-boost-alliance-in-phone-talks.html