October 4, 2022
Ministry of Defense
On October 4, Defense Minister Hamada and Defense Secretary Austin held a telephone conference in light of North Korea’s ballistic missile launch over Japan. The summary is as follows.
The Ministers strongly condemned that a series of ballistic missile launches by North Korea including the most recent launch were a violation of relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and it threatens not only the peace and stability of the region but also the international community.
Minister Hamada stated that the ballistic missile launch over Japan is a grave and imminent threat to Japan’s security and such outrageous act is absolutely unacceptable. Minister Hamada also stated that he would fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities by realistically examining all options including the so-called “counterstrike capabilities” to protect the lives and livelihood of the people of Japan. Secretary Austin reaffirmed that the U.S. commitment to providing extended deterrence including nuclear capabilities to Japan remains unwavering.
The Ministers confirmed that in response to North Korea’s provocative actions, Japan and U.S. defense authorities would continue to closely cooperate with each other to strengthen the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond, and affirmed that they would advance close trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea.