October 3, 2019
On October 3, following the ballistic missile launch by North Korea, Defense Minister Kono and U.S. Secretary of Defense Esper held a telephone conference. The summary is as follows.
Minister Kono stated that the ballistic missile launch by North Korea was unacceptable and that close cooperation between Japan and the United States was necessary. Secretary Esper agreed that the two countries would continue to work closely together.
Both sides agreed to promote information sharing through various channels including the ACM. They also confirmed that they would continue to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.
They also reaffirmed the importance of close trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea.