(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
This morning I participated in the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and gave a speech. In the speech, given the context that the security environment in the Indo-Pacific is more severe and complex than ever before, I emphasized the importance of weaving a multilayered web of interconnectivity – including operation, joint exercises, human exchanges, capacity building support, and equipment and technical cooperation among countries – layer after layer across the region, and creating synergies, thereby fostering a flexible, resilient, and stable regional order. Following this, in the afternoon I participated in the 9th ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, which was held for the first time in two years. In this meeting, I made a statement to the effect that I intended to strengthen collaboration between the defense authorities of Japan and ASEAN centered on the three fields of cooperation in the field of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA/DR), maritime cooperation, and addressing non-traditional challenges, while incorporating new perspectives. I gained the support of the other countries for this. Furthermore, today, I held defense ministers’ meetings with the United States (U.S.), Indonesia, the Republic of Korea (ROK), China, and Singapore, and the Meeting of Defense Ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the U. S., commonly called the SQUAD, and in these meetings, I clearly explained the policies, etc. of the Takaichi Cabinet for the strengthening of our defense policy. Furthermore, I held a meeting with Secretary Hegseth of the U.S., following up on our meeting the other day. I exchanged views with the Secretary concerning progress in the development of the National Defense Strategy of the U.S., the granting of permission to the ROK to build nuclear submarines, and other matters, and we concurred on the importance of trilateral cooperation between Japan, the U.S., and the ROK for the peace and stability of the region. Looking at each of the meetings, in the Japan-Indonesia Defense Ministerial Meeting, our two countries confirmed that Indonesia enhancing its maritime deterrence capabilities would serve the peace and stability of the entire region, and then we held a discussion on specific cooperation to strengthen maritime deterrence. In the Japan-ROK Defense Ministerial Meeting, we confirmed that we would continue to strengthen Japan-ROK, and Japan-U.S.-ROK defense cooperation. Moreover, we confirmed our policy of further vitalization of regular consultations and human exchanges between the defense authorities of our two countries, including mutual visits by the defense ministers and defense ministers’ meetings. In the Meeting of Defense Ministers from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. (SQUAD), we affirmed the importance of working together to deepen various activities in the maritime and air domains among the four countries through joint training, etc., thereby strengthening deterrence and response capabilities in the region. Furthermore, a proactive discussion was held regarding making the meeting of these four countries more regular. In the Japan-China Defense Ministerial Meeting, I pointed out that, among the various aspects of Japan-China relations, the security field remains the most challenging area, and that there exist numerous outstanding issues. I expressed Japan’s serious concern over the increasingly active military activities of China in various forms in the East China Sea and the Pacific region. At the same time, I pointed out that precisely because there are these kinds of concerns it would be extremely important to engage in candid discussions and communication for the comprehensive promotion of the “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and building of “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” matters which have already been agreed between the leaders of Japan and China. On that basis, I pointed out the importance of firmly ensuring the appropriate and reliable operation of the Hotline Between Japan and China Defense Authorities, and we mutually confirmed the importance of enhancing dialogue and exchanges at all levels from the policy to working level, including between defense authorities. In the Japan-Singapore Defense Ministerial Meeting, we welcomed the close communication between Japan and Singapore, such as high-level exchanges, and discussed the importance of multilateral cooperation. Regarding the transfer of defense equipment, the other day I stated that I intended to promote sales, and on this occasion several countries expressed interest in acquiring Japan’s equipment, including Japan’s submarines, and it was decided to advance consultations going forward. Individual meetings are planned for tomorrow. For example, there are countries including Australia, New Zealand, and others who have adopted or have an interest in the Mogami-class frigate, so I intend to continue building a foundation for deepening our defense relations with a sense of speed, including promoting sales regarding the transfer of defense equipment.