[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Shigeru Kitamura, Director of Japan's National Security Secretariat, visited the United States to explain the foreign policy of the Suga Yoshihide administration and held successive meetings on the 23rd (local time) with key U.S. government officials, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.
According to NHK and other sources, Director Kitamura held separate talks with Secretary Esper and Steven Biegun, Deputy Secretary of State and Special Representative for North Korea. In the meeting with Secretary Esper, Kitamura emphasized that the newly launched Suga Cabinet intends to continue former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's foreign policy and aims to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance without change.
Kitamura also stated that Japan will continue to expand its defense capabilities and deterrence, explaining the review of alternatives following the cancellation of the "Aegis Ashore" ballistic missile defense system plan. He confirmed intentions to cooperate in areas such as the Northeast Asian situation, space, economy, and security.
In the meeting with Deputy Secretary Biegun, Kitamura expressed that Japan will promote the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" initiative and intends to build stable relationships with neighboring countries. They also discussed the situations in North Korea and the East and South China Seas.
Kitamura is scheduled to remain in the U.S. until the 26th and hold successive meetings with U.S. government officials, including Robert O'Brien, U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House. NHK explained that he is expected to explain the foreign policy of the new cabinet centered on the U.S.-Japan alliance.
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