January 16, 2019
Ministry of Defense
On January 16, 2019, Minister Iwaya and Acting Secretary of Defense Shanahan held a meeting from 14:05 pm for about 90 minutes at the Department of Defense. The summary is as follows.
１ Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Both sides exchanged opinions based on the new National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) and Mid Term Defense Program (MTDP) formulated last December. Acting Secretary Shanahan supported NDPG and MTDP, and welcomed that Japan expressed its strong resolve to enhance its defense architecture and to play a larger role. In regards to the current security environment, both sides shared views that competition among states is becoming more apparent. They also agreed that gaining technological superiority in new domains such as space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum is increasingly important. Both sides also confirmed that they will closely coordinate in their efforts to be made pursuant to Japan’s NDPG and MTDP, and the U.S.’s National Defense Strategy (NDS) respectively, as well as to even strengthen the alliance capability to deter and respond following the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation. With the vision of Free and Open Indo-Pacific in mind, they agreed to work together to shape a desirable security environment with Japan and the U.S. as the cornerstone of cooperation with other nations. Furthermore, both sides confirmed to strengthen and expand cooperation in wide range of fields including the following: - Promote Japan-U.S. cooperation in the “new domains,” including space, cyberspace and electromagnetic spectrum. The U.S. welcomed Japan’s first participation in the Schriever Wargame. - Closely coordinate in bilateral or multilateral exercises and capacity building assistance, taking into account increasing both nations’ presence in the Indo-Pacific. - Welcome and even make progress in the two countries’ cooperation in the operational
field following Japan’s Legislation for Peace and Security and the Guidelines (e.g. U.S. Forces asset protection mission conducted by JSDF, provision of supplies and services) - Make continued effort in streamlining FMS process, while welcoming the recent progress and improvements in issues related to FMS. Cooperate in ensuring cost transparency, improving late case closure, strengthening activities to realize and promote multi-year procurement. - Continue cooperation to realize Japan’s smooth and prompt introduction, as well as cost management of U.S.-made advanced defense equipment such as Aegis Ashore, E-2D and F-35. - Enhance cooperation in defense equipment and technology as well as promoting JapanU.S. joint development and researches.
2 Regional affairs Both sides exchanged opinions on the recent developments on issues on North Korea, and confirmed they continue to support full implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions for a complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all North Korea’s WMD and ballistic missiles of all ranges. Both sides agreed that Japan and the United States will continue working together with partner countries to counter North Korea’s illicit ship-to-ship transfers of refined petroleum products and other materials. Furthermore, both sides confirmed that deterrence through Japan-U.S. Alliance and U.S.-ROK Alliance is essential in maintaining the security of the region, and agreed that both countries will steadily implement Japan-U.S. bilateral exercises. In regards to the East and South China Seas, both sides affirmed their position that they oppose unilateral attempts to change the status-quo by coercion, and that it is important to work together to make sure that Rule of Law and Freedom of Navigation are firmly established. Both sides also reaffirmed that Article V of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands, and that they would oppose any unilateral actions which attempt to undermine Japan’s administration of the islands. Both sides confirmed that Japan and the United States work together for the peace and stability of the East China Sea.
3 The U.S. Forces in Japan
Both sides affirmed the recent progress in the construction project of Futenma Replacement Facility, and reconfirmed that the relocation to Henoko-saki is the only solution to avoid the continued use of the Futenma Air Station. Minister Iwaya requested for cooperation in the Government of Japan’s efforts to mitigate impact on the local communities including Okinawa. Both sides confirmed to work closely together for the steady implementation of the U.S. forces realignment initiatives and training relocation. Both sides also affirmed the importance to ensure the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.