June 3, 2023
Ministry of Defense
On June 3, 2023, for approximately 40 minutes from 1720 (local time), Minister of Defense Hamada, visiting Singapore to attend the 20th IISS Asian Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue), held a meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Defense Li Shangfu.
Minister Hamada stated that it is important to have candid discussions between the Japanese and Chinese defense authorities precisely because there are many security concerns between the two countries, and Defense Minister Li expressed the same view.
With regards to the regional situation, Minister Hamada reiterated his serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, and the situation in the South China Sea. He also expressed his grave concerns about China and Russia continuing their joint military activities around Japan. He also reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.- In addition, Minister Hamada strongly condemned North Korea for recently having pushed ahead with the launch using ballistic missile technology.
With regards to communication between the Japanese and Chinese defense authorities, the two Ministers reaffirmed that the Hotline Between Japan and China Defense Authorities, which started its operation in May of this year, will be operated appropriately and reliably and shared the view to continue promoting dialogue and exchanges.