Koizumi: "Enhancing Deterrence and Response Capabilities"
The U.S. and Japanese defense ministers met in Washington, D.C. on the 15th (local time) to discuss ways to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense (left), and Shinjiro Koizumi, Japanese Minister of Defense. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated, "Strengthening our forces through practical training and exercises in Japan and across the entire First Island Chain is the kind of operational demonstration we must be able to show." He emphasized, "This is to guarantee 'peace through strength,' which is something President Donald Trump always talks about."
Shinjiro Koizumi, Japanese Minister of Defense, said, "I feel the strength of our alliance in knowing that if Japan makes its best effort with firm resolve, the United States will provide strong support." He added, "I look forward to having substantive discussions on various issues to further enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance."
Secretary Hegseth also mentioned Japan's increased defense spending, saying, "The strength and investment that Japan is demonstrating are truly important measures, and we welcome and appreciate them." In response, Minister Koizumi said, "Let us continue to work closely together to ensure that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to the United States this spring is a success."
These remarks by the two defense ministers are seen as a reaffirmation of their shared commitment to deter unilateral attempts by China to change the status quo in the area around the First Island Chain in the Pacific, including Japan, amid ongoing tensions between China and Japan.
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