October 19, 2024
Japan Ministry of Defense
On October 19, Defense Minister Nakatani and Defense Secretary Austin held discussions from 13:45 (local time) for approximately 35 minutes in Napoli. The summary is as follows.
The Ministers affirmed that they will work together to further reinforce the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond, such as the effective operation of counterstrike capabilities, the upgrading of respective command and control frameworks and expansion of bilateral presence in the southwestern region of Japan.
The Ministers affirmed that they should not tolerate unilateral changes to the status quo by force or coercion and such attempts, and confirmed that they will strengthen bilateral collaboration to that end. In addition, they shared a strong sense of urgency, with in mind the recent development in the area surrounding Japan. Moreover, the Ministers reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
With regards to upgrading respective command and control frameworks, the Ministers confirmed that they will continue to accelerate the discussion concerning bilateral coordination procedures and efforts to enhance collaboration through the working groups, in order to facilitate close cooperation in response to any situations in peacetime and during contingencies.
The Ministers concurred that they will work together to realize defense industrial cooperation that contributes to reinforcing the Alliance capabilities to deter and respond through the Forum on Defense Industrial Cooperation, Acquisition and Sustainment (DICAS).
The Ministers confirmed that they will continue to further advance multilateral cooperation, including with regional partners, to realize the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
The Ministers concurred that they will continue to cooperate closely on the work to realize the realignment of facilities and areas of the U. S. Forces in Japan, including the total return of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma as early as practicable, in accordance with the Okinawa Consolidation Plan.