(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
June 1, 2024
Ministry of Defense Japan
On June 1, 2024, for approximately 50 minutes from 0945 (local time), Minister ofDefense Kihara, visiting Singapore to attend the 21th IISS Asian Security Summit (Shangri-La Dialogue), held a meeting with Chinese Minister of Defense Dong Jun.
- At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Kihara 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 Dong expressed the same view.
- Regarding the regional situation, Minister Kihara reiterated his serious concerns about the situation in the East China Sea, including Senkaku Islands, and the increasing military activities by the Chinese side in the sea and airspace surrounding Japan, including its partnership with the Russian Federation.
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Furthermore, Minister Kihara reiterated his serious concerns about the situation in the South China Sea, and also emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
In addition, Minister Kihara strongly condemned North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches and expressed his concern about the instability in the region. - On that basis, the two ministers reaffirmed that the Hotline Between Japan and China Defense Authorities will be operated appropriately and reliably and shared the view to continue promoting dialogue and exchanges.