(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, commencing at 7:00 a.m., I held a telephone conference with Defense Secretary Hegseth of the U.S., for approximately 40 minutes. At the outset, Secretary Hegseth offered his greetings as the new Defense Secretary, then I congratulated him for his appointment. I also extended my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to those deceased and their bereaved families in the wake of the aircraft accident that occurred in Virginia yesterday. We concurred to work together to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance’s deterrence and response capabilities amid the increasingly severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific. Specifically, Secretary Hegseth and I agreed that we will firmly lead the efforts to strengthen the Alliance including the upgrading of the respective command and control framework. We also reaffirmed that Article V of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security applies to the Senkaku Islands. It is reassuring to Japan. In addition, through today’s telephone conference, we confirmed that we share views on the significance of the unparalleled Japan-U.S. Alliance, and on continuous efforts to strengthen deterrence by the two countries, which is essential for regional peace and stability. This is very meaningful. The Secretary and I will closely communicate as most trusted counterparts, working diligently toward Japan’s defense and realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Additionally, the conference was held with a very bright and positive atmosphere. We share the common experience as Infantry Platoon Leaders, and we both have made efforts in counter-terrorism for a long time, he on the front lines, and I as Defense Minister. In this sense, the atmosphere was very friendly, and we agreed to call each other “Gen” and “Pete ” from now on.