Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conference

Japan-U.S. Defense Ministerial Telephone Conference (summary)

December 3, 2021

Ministry of Defense

On December 3, 2021, Defense Minister Kishi and Defense Secretary Austin held a telephone conference. The summary is as follows.

Minister Kishi welcomed the strengthened commitment of the U.S. to the peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region which was also noted in the U.S. “Global Posture Review” announced this week. In response to the repeated missile launch by the North Korea, both Ministers confirmed the importance of cooperation among Japan-U.S. and Japan-U.S.-ROK defense authorities.

In order to address the increasingly challenging security environment, the Ministers agreed to further strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond and to hold the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) at the earliest timing possible.

Following the recent jettison of fuel tanks by the U.S. F-16 fighter jet, Minister Kishi strongly pressed for safe operations of U.S. Forces in Japan as well as smooth response to accidents, and the Ministers confirmed that they would continue to closely work together.